Open Awareness

Welcome and thanks for joining me.

When we bring mindful and kind attention to our vulnerabilities,

We open the possibilities of healing.

When fear is present,

We tend to close down,

Put up walls of self-protection.

It is the ability to stay open that gives our lives beauty.

When we can become real with our true lives and with others,

Life softens.

So let's take a moment to pause.

Close your eyes and notice what is right here.

What is occurring inside yourself at this moment?

And ask yourself,

Can I let it be?

Can I let it be here just as it is?

Gently consider what you have been unwilling to feel.

Is there sorrow or fear?

Offer kind attention to what is arising and this kind attention will invite transformation.

Some people tend to stuff uncomfortable emotions,

Ignoring them year after year.

Well,

Guess what?

Eventually they arise to the surface,

Mostly unconsciously and often in the form of unskilled action.

It takes some courage,

But I now invite you to deepen your attention just a bit now to the place that feels vulnerable in your body.

And for the next few moments,

Offer genuine kind attention to this region.

Perhaps placing your hand on your heart and acknowledging your presence or placing your hand to the place on your body that is calling out for attention.

Kind,

Soft attention.

Keep breathing.

Belly rising on the inhalation,

Receding on the exhalation.

Stay here now with what is arising.

Softening your body.

Breathing.

Breathing.

Now notice how you are feeling.

Are there any changes?

Perhaps a softening,

An acceptance?

Rumi says,

Keep your gaze on the wounded place.

This is where the light enters.

Become mindful of what occurs as you offer your presence.

Does the heart space expand?

Allow yourself to rest in an open awareness of your experience.

Placing your hands in your lap,

Invite them to fully relax,

Soften,

And open.

Breathe in deeply and open your eyes.

Notice how your heart feels.

Notice how your body feels.

Notice any other changes in body-mind.

Breathing.

May you be blessed by your heart.

Breathing.

May you be blessed with ease.