Even with a long list of things to do,
It's important to always carve out time for yourself,
Even if it's for just a few minutes.
Meditation is a practice,
And it's true that your life can begin to change in major ways when you take the time to practice it.
Gratitude gives you benefits like increased patience and tolerance,
And a fresh perspective on stressful situations.
So pause for just five minutes,
Because if anyone deserves it,
It's you.
Wherever you are,
Find a comfortable position for your body.
You can sit down or lie on your back,
And gently close your eyes,
Beginning to sense the empty space surrounding you.
I invite you to place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly,
And just take a pause to feel yourself for a moment.
Feel the rhythm of your breath as it flows naturally,
Rising and falling like the gentle ebb of a tide,
The support your body provides for your hands,
The warmth of your own touch.
Breathing in deeply,
Holding the breath at the top,
Just before you set it free,
Letting go of any tension,
Allowing your muscles to soften and your mind to quiet.
Imagining each breath as a wave of tranquility,
Carrying away stress and worry.
With each inhale,
Invite in peace.
With each exhale,
Feel your thoughts drift away.
Sink deeper into relaxation with each exhale.
This practice is a reminder that you are worthy of love and care,
And that by nurturing yourself,
You are better able to give to others.
I want you to begin to bring forward something that you feel grateful for.
It doesn't have to be grand or really anything significant.
It can be something small.
Perhaps you're grateful for this quiet moment with your thoughts.
Or a time last week when someone helped you through a tough moment.
Or maybe you're just feeling gratitude,
Or simply existing,
For having two hands to place on a healthy body.
Taking whatever you're grateful for and holding that feeling in your chest,
Allow yourself to savor it,
Fully suspended in a state of gratitude.
Find time to be grateful today for your current reality,
For the lessons in the past you've learned from,
For your ability to move through them,
The profound understanding that your life will unfold just as it's meant to,
Whether you worry about it or not.
You are so much more powerful than you realize.
Beginning to welcome your mind back into your body,
Remembering where you were just before we began.
And when you feel ready,
Open your eyes.
