This time is for you to reconnect with your body and mind in a way that fosters peace,
Acceptance,
And rest.
You are in a period of transition in your life and in your body.
This comes with physical sensations and experiences that are unpleasant and frustrating,
Especially when you are trying to sleep.
Tonight you will focus on acceptance,
The path to reduce struggle and find calm even when things feel difficult.
By learning to let go of the fight against discomfort,
We open the door to rest and relaxation and better sleep.
Lie down in a comfortable position and let your body feel fully supported by the surface beneath you.
Close your eyes and let's begin with the breath.
Place one hand gently on your abdomen to feel the movement of your breath,
Taking slow deep breaths through your nose,
Feeling your belly rise beneath your hand,
And then exhaling softly,
Letting your belly fall.
Take another deep breath,
Steady and calm.
As you inhale through your nose,
Notice the coolness of the air as it enters,
And when you exhale,
Notice the warmth as it leaves.
Let your breath settle into a natural rhythm.
With each breath,
Imagine letting go of the tension of the day.
Allow your breath to be your anchor,
Keeping you in this moment.
There is no need to change anything else right now.
Simply breathe and allow yourself to settle.
Now bring your attention to how you're feeling.
You may notice discomfort,
Perhaps warmth in your body,
Tension,
Or restlessness.
You may also notice thoughts,
Like worry about the hours of sleep you might miss,
Or frustration with your body for keeping you awake.
Just spend some time observing these feelings and thoughts and sensations.
Notice them without judging them as good or bad.
Just experiencing them as they are.
No need to fight against them.
Just let it be in this mindful moment.
Struggling against discomfort will worsen the experience.
When we resist or fight the experience,
It creates tension in your body and mind.
Instead,
Let's explore an alternative path,
The path of peaceful observation and acceptance without judgment or resistance.
Acceptance doesn't mean liking what's happening or giving up.
It means acknowledging the reality of your experience with kindness and self-compassion.
Just as we can't stop the seasons from shifting,
We can't stop our bodies from changing during this time.
But we can choose how we respond by allowing ourselves to acknowledge these changes without resistance.
We create space for calm and peace.
Take a moment to remind yourself that what you are experiencing is valid,
And you are not alone in feeling this way.
These changes you are experiencing are challenging,
But they are also signs of your enduring strength and resilience.
Now imagine that you are standing in the middle of a quiet forest.
The air is crisp and cool,
And the leaves are just beginning to change colors.
The vibrant greens of summer are giving way to golden yellows,
Fiery oranges,
And deep reds.
Some leaves flutter gently to the ground,
Carried by a soft breeze.
This is nature's way of adapting,
Letting go of one season to make space for the next.
Notice how the trees do not resist these changes.
They don't fight against the loss of their leaves or the cooling of the air.
They simply allow the seasons to unfold,
Trusting that this transition is part of their growth and part of their natural rhythm.
Menopause is like the changing of the seasons in your life.
Just like the trees,
Your body is adapting and finding its balance.
Trust in your body's ability to move through this transition.
As you stand in this forest,
Take a moment to imagine yourself as one of the trees.
Your roots are strong,
Planted firmly in the earth.
Through the changes you are experiencing,
You remain grounded and resilient.
Now as you stand in the forest,
Take a moment to let the stillness of winter surround you.
This stillness is not an end,
But a time for rest,
Renewal,
And preparation for what's to come.
The forest is resting,
Every branch and every root taking a pause in preparation for the cycle that lies ahead.
Breathe deeply,
Feeling the cool,
Crisp air of winter fill your lungs.
With each exhale,
Imagine releasing the tension or frustration you may be holding onto.
Even in this stillness,
There is growth.
Beneath the surface,
The roots of the trees draw nourishment from the earth,
Preparing for the renewal of spring.
In the same way,
Your body and mind are working together,
Adapting and finding balance.
One day,
It will be spring,
And you'll feel the quiet energy of renewal,
A sense of hope and possibility that comes with this new season.
Take a deep breath and imagine yourself growing stronger with each inhale,
Feeling the wisdom and strength that only comes with overcoming,
With enduring,
With accepting.
Embrace this rhythm,
The natural ebb and flow of life.
There's no need to resist.
Every season has its purpose,
And every stage of life brings its own beauty and wisdom.
Let your inner strength and wisdom guide you through these challenging experiences with grace and patience.
Say the following to yourself,
This is my body,
And it's doing its best.
This moment is challenging,
But I can still find peace within it.
What I'm feeling is valid.
It's okay to feel this way.
I will let go of the struggle.
I accept this phase of my life and will allow the moment to be what it is without adding extra tension or judgment.
I am strong,
And I will move through this one moment at a time.
I make peace with my body and with myself.
Acceptance leads to a calm mind and body.
A calm mind and body leads to rest,
Relaxation,
And sleep.
Let these words settle in your mind as you breathe in and out.
Let these words bring you a sense of ease.
Allow this sense of peace and comfort to envelop you like a soft blanket.
Stay here as long as you like,
Feeling calm,
Steady,
And supported.
When sleep comes,
Welcome it gently,
Knowing that you are resilient,
Strong,
And at peace.
