Welcome,
Friends,
To these brand-new cozy autumnal journeys.
Time for meditation,
Story,
And a savouring of the beauty of this golden season.
As always,
Take your time to settle and relax.
Make sure that you feel warm and supported.
And if you wish,
You can close your eyes and breathe easy.
Let the body and the breath settle into easeful rhythm.
Let go of the worries of your day,
As we take a little pause to walk in a different realm within our mind's eye.
Your day begins with the gentle hustle and bustle of a train station.
You've carefully packed a bag of the book you're keen to read in a few woolen layers,
And you are wearing your favourite coat and scarf.
You hear the hoot and the rhythmic sounds of the steam train as it arrives,
And see the plumes of smoke rise into a crisp autumn morning.
The steam train is black and smart,
And as you enter through wooden doors,
Little carriages are sectioned off each with their own plush benches and big windows.
Leaving the station,
The momentum of the train gently builds to a rhythm that rocks and cradles you.
A kindly lady with a tea trolley comes round and offers you a hot drink.
You accept a hot drink gratefully and settle down to open your book.
You enjoy the first few pages,
But find your gaze drawn out to the amazing scenery as the countryside rolls by.
Brackens and heathers in browns and yellows sway the carpet over the hills and moors.
Little clusters of villages plume with smoke from chimneys as they stay warm on this crisp day.
Swathes of evergreen trees cut a vibrant hue of green,
And as the train journeys over a great stone aqueduct,
You have a beautiful view far into the distance,
And you can see from the horizon the ocean your destination.
The train journey is not long,
But long enough for you to savour the beauty,
And your hot drink,
And perhaps a chapter of your book.
You feel ready to stretch your legs when the kindly lady with the tea trolley comes to collect the teacup and take it away,
And wish you a lovely day at the seaside.
You disembark the train at a little seaside town,
Quiet outside of the summer season,
But shining beautifully in the autumn sunlight.
There is still a hustle and bustle at a gentle pace for those who live here.
The bakery is still open,
And people are still coming and going from shops and pubs.
The cobbles of the street are worn smooth of age.
You pass little bookshops and cafes,
Galleries displaying paintings of oceans and seabirds,
And as you come to the seafront and see the water,
It is very still and smooth today,
Reflecting bright blue of this crisp day.
You walk along the sand,
A little gentle beachcombing,
Watching for shells and other treasures that may have washed ashore.
You walk past a few people walking their dogs,
A few families playing on the beach,
And you find your own special spot upon the beach,
Maybe upon sand or sheltered amongst rocks.
And you unpack from your bag a little blanket,
A thermos of your favourite drink,
A carefully made sandwich,
And perhaps a few homemade cookies.
The wind is picking up a little,
Gently whipping around your hair,
So you put on your woolly hat and wrap another blanket around your shoulders as you settle in for a little autumnal picnic.
You can smell the ocean on the breeze,
And hear the rhythm of the waves,
And the gentle sounds of life in autumn,
Laughter and dogs barking and children playing.
You enjoy the feeling of the sunshine on your cheeks.
There is still warmth,
And you feel warmer still in your woolly layers and enjoying your sumptuous picnic.
Perhaps after your food,
You lay down for a little while to gaze at the sky,
To feel at peace in this easeful place.
And when you are ready,
You might gently pack up your blanket and picnic,
Place it back in your bag,
Maybe brave a paddle in shallow waters.
The water is cold,
But refreshing.
And your feet feel all the warmer once you dance back out from the shallows and put your woolly socks and shoes back on.
The breeze has kissed your skin with a little salt and sand of the beach.
You feel as if you are carrying it with you as you leave the beach and meander back through the cobbled streets,
Admiring the bookshops and the cafes and the galleries.
Maybe you pick up a cake at the bakery to take home with you and enjoy for your supper.
And the steam train is right on time to pick you up at the station.
The rhythm of the carriage gently lulling you,
Restful,
A little weary from your day.
Dusk begins to gently fall as you journey homewards and you see the lights coming on in the villages and houses.
Back through the autumnal countryside.
And finally,
When you arrive at your station,
The street lights are shining as you take the gentle walk back home.
Just when you feel ready,
Perhaps we'll take a lovely deep breath in and sigh and exhale out.
You can take a stretch or movement if you like.
If you are preparing to rest or sleep,
Then feel free to stay exactly where you are.
We can arrive to whatever place we need now.
As this little journey gently comes to an end,
May all your coming journeys of autumn be cosy and easeful.
Farewell for now.
