Welcome Zen, friend. I hope, wherever you are, you are doing well, especially during this particularly busy and hectic time of year. Let's get right into our drop of Zen by finding a comfortable spot where you can sit or lie down for this short guided meditation. We will actually begin today with our eyes open, as we get a sense of grounding and invite in some calmness. I would like you to start by slowly, with intention, looking around your surroundings, and doing so not just with your eyes but also with some gentle movement of your head, so slowly looking to one side, taking in what you can see, and then slowly starting to scan back to what's in front of you and then taking in what is on the other side of you, if there's something behind you. You might even want to turn around in your seat and just look and notice what's behind you as you do this, really getting a sense of safety, seeing that you are safe wherever you are, and then bring your gaze to one spot, maybe one object that makes you feel present, that makes you feel safe. It could just be something that's very neutral, or an object or something that evokes a sense of comfortableness, something pleasant. Maybe it's a happy memory that comes up as you look at this item and just stay with that, just keeping your gaze there. And now I would like you, if you are able to, to either close your eyes or a nice gaze downward would be just fine too. Whatever feels best for you, and, of course, only if you are able to get nice and still and look down or close your eyes.
Speaker 1This is not a good exercise to do while you're driving and, with your eyes closed or that soft gaze, start to feel into your body. Notice the periphery of your body, the outside edges, and then start moving your way inward. Notice where your body is making contact with the chair, the ground, the bed, whatever is beneath you. Can you get a sense of heaviness? Can you get a sense of presence? Just staying here, really bringing your attention to your body.
Speaker 1If your mind wanders, just gently bring it back. An invitation to be present in your body, in the room or the area around you, knowing that you are safe, giving yourself the gift of this present moment. We'll stay here for just a little bit longer. Of course. You're welcome to stay as long as you'd like, and then, when you're ready, you can slowly start moving your head and your eyes again taking in the room or area around you. You can even take a nice deep breath in here and a long, slow exhale and know that you can continue to this exercise anytime you would like to feel grounded and safe. I'm so glad you joined me here today. Until next time, friend, I hope you'll continue to take some time today and every day to do something kind for yourself.