Welcome to this brief introduction to a series of meditations inspired by the book Awaken to Love.
This book offers a unique integration of non-dual wisdom and internal family systems.
The invitation here is to awaken both to our imminence and transcendence.
So this is the embodied everyday experience of life and the boundless awareness.
We will explore parts of ourselves that just like waves in the ocean are not separate from the ocean itself.
This allows us to fully meet and heal these parts while resting in the peaceful knowing of our timeless essence.
Let us begin this short practice by turning inward.
Settle into a comfortable position and close your eyes if that feels comfortable and take a deep breath in.
And as you exhale let your body soften and settle.
Feel the ground beneath you supporting you.
Bring your attention to the breath.
Notice its natural rhythm.
The rise and fall of your chest.
The sensation of air moving in and out.
And there is really no need to change anything.
Now allow your awareness to expand to include the sensations of your body.
Notice your feet on the floor.
Body on the chair.
Notice any areas of tension or ease.
Contraction or spaciousness.
And allow everything to simply be as it is.
And as you rest here notice how every sensation,
Sound or thought that arises within your awareness.
Like waves in the ocean they come into being,
Linger for a moment and dissolve back into their vastness.
Can you sense the space in which all of this is happening?
And this space is always present silently witnessing the ebb and flow of experience.
So as you rest here begin to notice if any particular part of yourself arises.
Notice this part's thoughts,
Emotions,
Any physical sensations.
Perhaps you are familiar with this part.
Familiar with its voice.
Notice if there's any resistance to being with this part.
Or maybe you can greet it from a sense of peace.
See if it's possible to greet this part as if you were meeting an old friend.
Silently say to it,
I see you.
You are welcome here.
Notice how this part like a wave is not separate from the ocean of awareness.
It arises and is held in the vast space of your being and then dissolves.
There's no need to change or fix it.
Simply be with it in compassionate presence.
Now ask yourself who or what is noticing this part?
Who or what is aware of the thoughts,
Feelings and sensations?
And turn your attention towards this presence of awareness itself.
This still unchanging space in which all experiences appear and disappear.
If you wish you can pause this meditation here and take as long as you feel.
But if you feel ready,
Begin to slowly bring your attention back to your body.
Feel the sensation of your feet on the floor,
Your hands resting in your lap.
And the natural rhythm of your breath.
And as this practice comes to a close,
Take a moment to thank yourself and any parts of yourself for this time of inward exploration.
And recognize the wholeness of your being,
The parts you've met,
The awareness that holds them and the infinite connection between them.
And when you're ready,
Gently open your eyes.
Namaste
