This is Claire Parsons,
And today I have for you a brief guided meditation to help you let go,
At least for a while,
Of stress caused by many deadlines.
The stress of deadlines is real for many professionals today.
As a lawyer,
I understand this stress very well.
I have found that a quick break can help me get centered and calm so I can tackle projects with pressing deadlines.
Try out this brief meditation to give yourself a quick rest when deadline stress is starting to build up.
To get started,
Find a comfortable and stable position.
You may be seated at your office chair.
You may have decided to stand for a few moments.
Just have yourself rooted either in the chair or with your feet to the floor so you can be stable for the next few minutes.
Stretch out or stand up tall,
But don't be too tense.
You want to be alert but relaxed.
First start with a quick scan of your body to look for any physical signs of tension.
When stress happens in your mind,
It moves down into your body.
Common places to look for signs of stress are your brow and eyes,
Jaw,
Neck,
Shoulders.
Even your hands might be clenched unconsciously.
You could even hold tension in your low back or hips.
Scan through these areas one by one and relax any tension that you are able to let go of.
Now allow your throat to open,
Your chest to expand with breath,
And soften your belly to invite the air in.
Even after this brief scan,
You may have found your heart rate slowing slightly.
You may feel just a little bit more steady.
Ease into the breath wherever you feel it most strongly and just sit with it for a moment.
It helps to focus on the out-breath because the out-breath induces feelings of relaxation at a greater rate.
Notice that feeling of letting go as you breathe out.
Let that feeling soothe you.
Thoughts may arise even as you are focusing on your breath.
Let them come,
But let them go.
You may have other matters to attend to in a few minutes,
But you don't need to focus on them now.
Just go back to your breath.
Worries about the future may arise as you are sitting with your breath.
Know that that is normal.
Know that that is part of being a working professional today.
Know that you are not alone,
But let those worries go for now and just go back to your breath.
Focus on that feeling of letting go.
Remember that as you go through your life,
You can always come back to the feeling of letting go when you breathe out.
You can always remember to let go,
Even if it is just for a moment.
Rest is a part of work.
Have faith that your breath will help you rest.
Have faith that your breath will recharge you.
Have faith that sitting in silence for a moment will help you see the things you need to see to make wise decisions.
Congratulate yourself for taking a moment to refocus.
As we close,
I hope you take a sense of kindness and calm into whatever activity you begin next.
