Relieving Stress Let's begin by taking a moment to allow your body to settle.
Find a comfortable position that allows your spine to be long but with a natural curve in the lower back.
You can close your eyes or keep them open with a soft gaze downward,
A few feet in front of you.
Let the belly and shoulders relax.
Today I will be guiding you through a relieving stress practice.
In this practice,
We will cultivate a sense of ease,
Openness and space even around difficult emotions.
This practice can be an antidote for those times we feel stressed and overwhelmed.
Before we start,
Take a full breath in and a long breath out.
To begin with this practice,
Invite your body to feel nourished and fed.
As you breathe in,
You can imagine breathing in all the energy and positive emotions that your body needs.
As you breathe out,
Letting go of any tightness,
Tension or toxicity.
Breathe in warmth and openness.
Breathe out tension or tightness.
To help us focus and gain some initial stability,
Let's bring our attention and awareness to the breath at the belly.
Check in with the body.
See if any tension has come up in the usual places.
Soften them underneath as here.
Feel free to move or shift your posture if that feels helpful.
Check in now with the mind.
Are there any stories taking up space that don't have to be there at this moment?
Invite them to come and go,
Neither clinging to them or pushing them away.
Breathe in and breathe out.
Now,
Check in with the heart.
Are there any tensions or sensations in the chest or the front of the body?
Notice any warmth,
Tightness,
Opening that's there.
Observe and note without judgement.
Breathe in and breathe out.
And see if you feel more openness,
Ease or spaciousness than we started.
As we begin to close this practice,
You might want to invite a smile.
You may want to bring your hand to your heart.
Sing silently.
May I be well.
May I be happy.
You can come back to this practice whenever you feel stressed or like you want to give yourself more nourishment or space.
Let's finish this relieving stress practice now by taking a full breath in and a long breath out.
