As we begin today,
You'll find a comfortable seat as always.
Take your time doing this.
Sit your hips as much as you want to or need to so that your hips are higher than your knees.
Sit on cushions,
A block,
Anything.
If it's comfortable,
Sit in a cross-legged position.
Otherwise,
Sit back on your heels or even in a chair.
Take time to settle in today.
Feel your base,
Whatever is connected to the earth,
And imagine that connection as roots into the earth.
Notice your breath already changes as your mind starts creating the intention that this is a time to slow down,
To meditate.
The breath naturally starts cooperating and helping.
The breath is delighted by this opportunity to help.
You can think of your breath as a friend.
Your breath is in service to helping you find a straight spine and an open heart,
Open chest.
And imagine the crown of your head going into the sky.
Your hands are just gently resting wherever they might feel comfortable.
You could cup them in your lap,
Set them on your knees or thighs.
Really,
This is about being comfortable and being alert and relaxed at the same time.
Today,
We're going to consider how the body is a microcosm of the earth and the universe.
So that which is outside of us is also inside of us and vice versa.
So what does this mean?
Well,
The base,
The pelvic floor,
Whatever is connected to the earth,
This is the part of your body associated with earth,
Groundedness,
Solidity,
Safety.
Just imagine your breath exploring that part of your body,
Enhancing a feeling of groundedness,
Earthiness,
Connection,
Rootedness.
When we move into the pelvis,
Genital area,
All of this associated with water,
With emotions,
With creativity,
The water flowing like a river on the earth,
Always moving and changing,
Never stuck in one place,
Water.
The belly area,
Breathe into this area.
This is associated with fire and heat,
Determination,
Agency,
The heat of digestion,
Breathing into the belly,
Making the belly big on the inhale,
Moving the navel towards the spine on the exhale,
Keeps this fire warm.
And also as though we're sitting around the fire,
This is a feeling of comfort,
Moving up into the heart,
Lungs,
Throat area,
This is air.
This is movement,
Wind and expression.
Take a moment and go all the way back down to the base again to the earth,
The water above that fire in the belly and now the air.
Can you see how your body is a microcosm of the earth?
All of that that is outside of us is inside of us.
And now a fifth element as we move up into the head.
This is an element called ether,
Space.
This is beyond our atmosphere,
Beyond oxygen,
Space.
We are even that space.
And this element is associated with wondering,
Imagining,
Consciousness,
Awareness of something outside of ourselves,
Infinity.
It's all contained in our bodies.
Can you imagine the borders of your body disappearing?
Can you imagine that your body melts into all of these elements?
Can you imagine your whole consciousness spread out over a beautiful landscape?
There is peace in this connection.
There is wonder and creativity.
There is expression and safety and security as this landscape is yours and yours only.
There is comfort,
Comfort in knowing that this earth,
This water,
This fire,
This air,
This space contains you,
Protects you.
And you contain each of these.
In unequal measure.
Some of these elements are stronger than others in you,
More pronounced.
That is your personality,
Your soul.
You are a unique expression of nature.
I want to invite you to sit with this awareness for two minutes or as long as you like.
I'll sound the chime in two minutes.
Namaste.
Peace.
Peace.
Peace.
MANPRAISER.
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