Hello and welcome to The Daily Insight.
My name is Hugh Byrne and I'm a meditation teacher here on Inside Timer.
This five-minute meditation is an invitation to find peace here and now.
When we think of being peaceful,
We often think of external conditions as being necessary to find peace.
Being in a quiet and peaceful place,
For example.
But the deeper truth is that true peace does not depend on conditions,
But can be found in any moment.
If we can meet the present moment wholeheartedly and without clinging or resistance or judgment.
The Dalai Lama was once asked,
What was the happiest time of your life?
He paused for a moment and responded,
I think right now.
The truth is that even in the midst of difficulties and challenges and the busyness of our lives,
We can find happiness and peace by meeting this moment just as it is.
So to begin this meditation,
Find a comfortable posture.
Sitting on a chair or a cushion or bench or lying down if you prefer.
Let your body be at ease.
Relaxing your shoulders.
Letting your hands rest in your lap or on your knees or thighs.
Close your eyes if that's comfortable for you.
And let your attention drop down from thinking into the body.
Feeling your body here now.
You might take a few longer,
Deeper breaths.
Filling the lungs and the chest on the in-breath.
And relaxing and letting go on the out-breath.
Breathing in,
Relaxing the body.
Breathing out,
Relaxing the mind.
And when you're ready,
Let your breath return to its natural rhythm.
Sitting in a way that's comfortable and relaxed.
Keep a gentle awareness on your breathing.
And send yourself some wishes of peace and well-being.
Using these words and phrases if they're helpful.
Or using your own words.
Or just touching into the feelings you're experiencing.
May I be at peace.
May I be safe.
May I live with ease and with kindness.
You could repeat these phrases slowly to yourself.
May I be at peace.
May I be safe.
May I live with ease and with kindness.
And if your mind wanders,
Simply bring your attention back to your body and your breathing.
Coming back to the phrases if it's helpful.
May I be at peace or peaceful,
Safe.
Live with ease and with kindness.
Whatever comes up for you,
Meet it with as much kindness and acceptance as you can right now.
Finishing with these words from Dorothy Hunt.
Peace is this moment without judgment.
This moment in the heart space where everything that is,
Is welcome.
Appreciate the effort that you've made.
And if you'd like,
Sit for a few minutes longer after the bell.
With this question,
Is peace possible in this moment,
Just as it is?
Thank you for watching!
