Hello and welcome to our practice for today.
Make your way into a comfortable seat.
You might sit up on a cushion or pillow so that your lower back and hips can be a little more comfortable.
Bring your attention to your hips,
Feeling them equally weighted into whatever you're sitting on,
Stacking the ribcage on top of the hips and then shoulders on top of the ribs,
Head balancing lightly on top.
As you're ready,
Become still through your body and you might choose to close your eyes.
Guide your attention into your breath,
Following the flow with your mind all the way through the beginning,
Middle and end of each breath.
Pain and intense stress can be an isolating experience.
It might feel like the people around us don't understand and there might be fear around the pain related to what it could mean or that it will never end.
In these times,
We can remember that our experiences are not unique.
Everything we feel is part of being human,
Part of the fullness of human life.
We can remind ourselves of this connection with these words,
Which we will use in this practice.
This is a moment of suffering,
Pain or stress.
Choosing the word that feels right to you and then acknowledging that everyone experiences suffering,
Pain or stress.
Acknowledging the current experience that you are having and recognizing that this experience is universal.
Breathing in,
Saying to yourself,
This is a moment of suffering,
Pain or stress,
Whatever word you choose.
Breathing out,
Saying to yourself,
Everyone experiences suffering,
Pain or stress.
Continuing to link the words with each breath.
Reminding us of our bigger connection to all people.
Inhaling,
This is a moment of suffering.
And exhaling,
Everyone experiences suffering.
Staying aware of the words,
Your breath and any changes that might be happening in your body.
You might sense yourself settling into a little more relaxation as we acknowledge these connections and realize that we are not alone in our experience.
Always coming back to the word as many times as you need if your mind does get distracted.
This is a moment of suffering,
Pain or stress.
Everyone experiences suffering,
Pain or stress.
Feel your whole body here.
Start to reconnect with the room around you.
Becoming aware of your environment.
When you feel ready,
Slowly start to open your eye,
Gently move your body and mindfully transition back into your day.
