Hello beautiful soul.
The rain is tapping on the window,
Its rhythm soothing and steady,
Like the heartbeat of this quiet late autumnal afternoon.
Inside my serenity suite the air is warm with a scent of lavender and the faint sweetness of my red berries tea,
Its theme spiraling like a silent invitation to dream.
I find myself gazing out at the rain tracing intricate patterns on the glass,
Mesmerized by the dance of something so ordinary yet so profoundly beautiful.
A sudden thought stirs,
What if we allowed ourselves more moments like this,
Moments to pause,
To be swept away by the quiet power of the everyday.
As that question lingers,
I think of the waves meeting the shore on our getaway to Farley in April.
I remember a particular sunset in the big district that stole my breath and then summer starlit skies that whispered of eternity.
Each memory carries a thread of awe which makes me wonder.
What if there is time to pause,
To watch the waves and breathe in rhythm with a gentle dance?
What if there is time to pause,
To eye the eagle's soul and feel the truth we are boundless too?
What if there is time to pause,
To marvel at the mountain and remember the strength within us all?
What if there is time to pause,
To behold the sunset and inhale deeply its vibrant colors?
What if there is time to pause,
To gaze at the stars and recall their radiance lives in us?
So let's take a moment to connect with the spirit of my poem through the breath,
A simple yet powerful way to invite pause and presence into your day.
Sit comfortably in a quiet spot where you feel supported and at ease.
Let your hands rest gently in your lap or on your knees,
Palms facing upward to receive.
Close your eyes if that feels comfortable for you,
If not allow your gaze to soften and rest on a point in front of you.
Take a moment to notice your body,
Your feet connected to the ground,
The weight of your hands and the gentle rise and fall of your chest.
And now bring your attention to your natural breath,
Don't try to control it,
Simply observe it.
Feel the cool air as it enters your nose and flows down into your lungs.
Notice the warmth of your breath as it leaves your body.
Allow yourself to settle into this rhythm,
Anchored in the present moment.
And now imagine the gentle rhythm of waves rolling onto the shore.
Picture yourself standing at the edge of the ocean,
Hearing the soft crash of water meeting sand.
Inhale deeply for a count of four,
As if drawing in the calming energy of the waves.
Hold your breath for a count of two,
Savoring the pause between the tides.
Exhale slowly for a count of four,
Visualizing the waves retreating softly back into the ocean.
Inhale one,
Two,
Three,
Four.
Hold your breath,
One,
Two,
Exhale,
One,
Two,
Three,
Four.
Repeat this wave-like breathing for five more cycles.
While breathing,
Feel your body and mind becoming more aligned with a soothing rhythm of the sea.
As your breath continues to flow gently,
Bring to mind an image that fills you with awe.
It could be a vast,
Snow-capped mountain standing firm against the sky,
The warm glow of a golden sunset melting into the horizon,
Or a shimmering night sky,
Its stars glittering like jewels.
With each inhale,
Imagine drawing in the strength,
Beauty,
And power of this image.
Feel it filling you with a sense of wonder.
With each exhale,
Release any tension or worry,
Creating space within yourself for peace and presence.
Stay with this imagery for several breaths,
Letting the awe inspire a deep connection to the world around you.
And now let the image gently fade as you bring your attention back to your breath.
Feel the natural rhythm of your inhale and exhale.
Notice the stillness within your now.
A quiet,
Expansive sense of calm that reflects the beauty and wonder of this visualization.
When you feel ready,
Take one last deep breath,
Inhaling fully and exhaling completely.
Gently wiggle your fingers and toes,
Bringing movement back into your body.
Open your eyes or lift your gaze,
Taking in your surroundings with a fresh perspective.
Carry this sense of awe and serenity into your day.
Know that at any time you can return to this practice,
To the simplicity of your breath,
And to the wonder that exists all around you.
And here is a creative prompt to take your mindful practice further.
Reflect on a moment when you allowed yourself to pause and truly be present.
What did you observe and how did it make you feel?
If you haven't had such a moment recently,
Imagine one inspired by my poem.
A scene with waves,
A soaring eagle,
A jesting mountain,
Stunning sunset or glimmering stars.
Describe it vividly and explore the emotions it stirs within you.
Continue your day embracing the quiet magic that is always waiting,
Just beneath the surface of the ordinary.
