So let's find a spot that you can sit down or you can lie down.
You can use a cushion,
A chair or a bed for this one.
Just make sure you are warm and cozy.
Close your eyes or keep your eyes slowly open.
Whichever feels more natural to you.
Now let's begin by taking a few deep breaths in and exhaling.
Getting the feeling of inhaling and exhaling and letting go.
Start from the top of your head and slowly scan your body.
Releasing any tension or tightnesses you may feel.
Your mind is going to wander.
It's always going to wander.
You can't help that.
The key is to become aware that it wanders.
Make the nurturing choice to go back to breathing in,
Inhaling and exhaling and relaxing.
Pay special attention to the areas that are affected by the stroke.
Such as your face,
Your arm or your leg.
Send them love and compassion.
You can gently touch them or imagine a warm light shining on them.
Bring your attention into the area of your heart.
Feel your heartbeat and notice how it may change with each breath.
Just focus on your heartbeat.
When your mind wanders,
Bring your focus back to your body.
Say to yourself,
Silently,
Silently say to yourself the words,
Slow down.
With the focus in the area of your heart,
Say slow down.
Your heart is strong and resilient.
It has been through a lot but it's still beating and pumping blood throughout your body.
Thank your heart for its hard work and dedication.
Thank you.
Now bring your attention to your mind.
Your mind,
It's powerful and creative.
It can learn,
Remember and imagine.
It has also been through a lot.
It still functions and processes information.
Thank your mind for its intelligence,
Curiosity,
Its creativity.
As you continue breathing,
Notice any thoughts or emotions in your mind.
They may be positive or negative.
They may be unpleasant or pleasant.
Whatever they are,
Observe them without judging or trying to change them.
They are not new.
They are just passing by.
You can say,
I hear you,
I see you,
I accept you.
If you notice any fear or anxiety about having another stroke,
Acknowledge it and gently let it go.
Now let's end this by taking some deep,
Deep breaths.
Place one hand on your belly,
On your abdomen.
We're going to use our diaphragm and pull the air down the lowest part of our lungs.
As you breathe in the oxygen,
Let your belly rise up to the ceiling,
Straight out in front of you.
As you exhale,
Your belly is going to go in towards your spine,
Making room for that next breath.
Inhale,
Belly goes forward.
Exhale,
Belly goes in towards your spine.
Keep your focus on your breathing,
Fine.
Inhale and exhale.
This is a great breath to do when you're ever feeling any anxiety during the day.
Just go back to a normal breathing.
Don't try to control your breath in any way.
Let's start to move your fingers around a little bit.
Wiggle your toes and when you are ready,
When you're ready,
You can open up your eyes.
