We begin by taking a couple of deep to the diaphragm centering breaths.
Get all stable and stack up the back.
In through the nose.
And out through the mouth.
Start with one bell and we will finish with three bells.
And this time I may use a little music to help focus our attention.
So we begin.
Grounded in the space.
Feeling the support beneath.
Feet and our seat.
Body all stacked up nice and straight.
Able to be relaxed and to flow.
Coming into the space just being aware of whatever noises,
Whatever sounds,
Whatever sensations present themselves.
We simply experience the here and now without criticism.
Just being present.
Being a creature in a space experiencing what it is to be here.
So much of our life is conditioned by thinking and analysis and measuring and judging.
There's nothing here to judge.
It's the sound of the fans,
Of the circulation.
If you listen carefully the sounds of birds outside.
All welcome.
At some point the dog next door might decide to speak up.
That's welcome.
Inside our heads the voices of memory,
Of planning,
Thinking.
They'll probably show up.
If they haven't yet.
They're all welcome.
We don't have to focus on or pay close attention to any of those things.
We can simply let them happen and keep paying attention to what comes up next.
If we're comfortable with the eyes closed,
That's good.
If not,
That's fine too.
If there's need for an anchor for the attention,
The breath is always reliable,
Available and present.
The birds are happy.
They're happy.
They're happy.
They're happy.
They're happy.
They're happy.
They're happy.
They're happy.
They're happy.
They're happy.
They're happy.
They're happy.
They're happy.
They're happy.
They're happy.
They're happy.
They're happy.
It is an honour to have been given a serenade,
To have been blessed with the intimate conversations of our feathered friends.
We don't know what they're saying.
But we know they're there.
They are a part of this space and a part of our time.
And to be reminded that we humans are only one species in an entire ecosystem that goes on around us,
Often in spite of us.
And to be reminded to respect this place,
This gift of an abundant planet,
And to move through it with respect and honour.
Thank you.
Thank you.
