Welcome to this meditation.
Today we will explore facing our fears and discovering the beauty that lies within and around us as we take each step forward.
So for this practice I'll encourage you to find that comfortable position either sitting or lying down.
If you happen to be headed on a trail or a nature walk,
This might serve you well.
So feel free to utilize this practice in that setting.
If you are in your own space in this moment,
I invite you now to close your eyes and be with your breath.
Notice the inhales and the exhales and what happens as you stay connected to this rhythm.
Your mind will wander.
That is natural.
That's what it's designed to do.
Gently bring it back to your breath when you notice this happening.
Once you feel more settled and grounded,
See if you can imagine yourself standing at the beginning of a beautiful pathway.
The path stretches out before you winding gently through a lush,
Serene landscape.
As you begin to walk,
Feel the solid ground beneath your feet supporting you with each step.
Notice the details around you,
The vibrant colors of the flowers,
The gentle rustling of leaves,
The warmth of the sun on your skin.
This pathway represents your journey,
A journey where you will face your fears and uncover new parts of yourself.
As you walk,
Bring to mind the top three fears you currently hold.
If nothing initially sticks out,
Just notice what it's like to make space for awareness of these fears.
See them as stones along the path.
Take a moment to acknowledge each one.
What do they look like?
What feelings arise as you notice them?
Now let's imagine picking up the first stone.
Look at it closely.
Notice what it's like to hold it,
What it's made of,
Its weight.
Once you feel like you've held it long enough,
Gently place the stone back on the path.
Know that by acknowledging it,
You are already beginning to lessen its power.
See if you're ready to take a step to face it more.
Or if not,
Just let it be where it's landed as we move on to the second and third stones.
Take your time with each.
Examine them.
Hold space for the questions that arise.
See if you have any validation or evidence for these fears.
And then place them back down,
Noticing a sense of lightness each time you do.
As you continue along the pathway,
Notice an incline leading to a natural staircase.
Each step is a small,
Manageable action you can take to move forward.
There's no need to rush.
Focus on taking one step at a time.
As you ascend the staircase,
Notice the new perspective you gain with each step.
The higher you go,
The more you see.
Things you couldn't have imagined before begin to come into view.
Beautiful landscapes,
Hidden gardens,
And even a sense of inner peace and strength you didn't realize you had.
Pause for a moment on one of the steps.
Look around.
Notice the beauty that surrounds you,
And the calm that fills you.
This is what happens when you take the next step,
Even when you are afraid.
You discover parts of the world and yourself that you never knew existed.
Continue to climb one step at a time.
Feel the support of the staircase beneath you,
Just as you felt the support of the path.
When you reach the top,
Take a deep breath and look back at how far you have come.
Each step got you to this point.
Each step is a victory,
A testament to your courage and resilience.
Know that you have the power to continue moving forward,
No matter what lies ahead.
As you slowly bring your awareness back to the present moment,
Take another conscious deep breath in and gently exhale.
Readjust your body back to the space and open your eyes.
Remember the journey of discovery is ongoing.
Embrace each step.
Make space for your fears and uncover the beauty within.
This way you can continue to travel on.
Thank you for your practice.
