Welcome to this Pratyahara meditation designed for the waxing gibbous phase of the moon.
So if the new moon is a time of new beginnings and the waxing crescent is a time for preparation,
The first quarter is a time for action.
Now at the waxing gibbous is the time for refinement.
We are in a place for refinement and for making sure we are clear on our intentions,
Honing in on our goals and practicing mindfulness just ahead of the full moon.
The waxing gibbous phase may also signal redirection,
Adjustments and flexibility.
Your plans may be challenged and your patience may be tested.
Even so,
Spiritually is a time to get rid of some of those bad habits,
Those negative thinking patterns that you might have been experiencing.
And so today we are practicing a Pratyahara leaf on a stream meditation.
In this meditation we place any negative thoughts,
Any limiting beliefs onto a leaf or many leaves and watch them disappear.
So let's prepare for our meditation by coming to a tall seat and we will begin this practice now.
You may choose to close your eyes or soften the gaze to a drishti,
A point of focus.
Begin to notice your breath,
Feeling the air flow in and out of your nostrils.
Relax the shoulders,
Soften the jaw,
See where you can settle in a little bit further into your seat.
In your mind's eye,
Visualize yourself sitting on a riverbank in front of a very gently flowing stream.
Feel the warm sunshine on your skin,
The gentle breeze in your hair.
Feel the green grass underneath you.
Take a look around and see the lush trees next to the stream.
Listen for any sounds that arise in this beautiful space in nature.
Now turn your attention to the stream,
Watching the water flow gently by as you sit on the bank.
Stay focused here on nothing but the water flowing by.
As thoughts arise,
Memories,
Pictures,
As they arise,
Ask yourself,
Are they positive or negative?
Are they serving you right now?
If they're positive,
Follow the story to the end before letting another image or thought arise.
But if they're negative,
Place them on a leaf and simply allow it to flow down the stream,
Letting it go.
Question each thought and if needed,
Place it on a leaf,
Let it float by.
In your mind,
Stay here at the stream.
Stay here for a few more moments practicing releasing any negative thoughts,
Any limiting beliefs onto leaves as they arise.
Gently questioning each thought,
Keeping it or placing it on the leaf.
Sitting at the bank,
Watching the stream,
You're watching your leaves float away.
There's no limit to the number of leaves you might need.
Set them all float away without judgment,
Staying here for just another moment or two.
Gently start to come back to your space,
Letting the image fade,
Letting the stream disappear and blinking the eyes open.
Namaste.
