Rest Under The Tree

We guide a short breathing meditation that helps us settle into the body and trust the natural rhythm of the breath. We rest beneath an imagined spring tree and explore what it feels like to be supported without having to earn it.

Transcript

Settle Into Natural Breathing

SPEAKER_01 0:03

Hello, and welcome to Breathe and Be. I'm Marianne, and I'm so glad you're here. Go ahead and take a moment to arrive. Allow your body to settle. Gently bringing awareness to your breath. The natural rhythm. The rise and fall. Doesn't have to be perfect. Snow right or wrong way. You just need to trust that your body knows exactly what it needs.

SPEAKER_00 1:11

Your breath will soften all on its own.

SPEAKER_01 1:18

Now imagine yourself outside on a soft spring day. You find a tree, strong, steady, and welcoming. You gently lower yourself to the ground, resting with your back against the trunk. Feel the earth beneath you, supporting you fully. The tree at your back, solid and unmoving. A quiet presence you can lean into. Take a moment to notice the texture of the bark. Firm, grounding, real. As if the tree is holding you just a little.

SPEAKER_00 2:42

Above you, the branches stretch outward, now filled with fresh green leaves, gently moving.

SPEAKER_01 2:59

You can hear them, a quiet rustle as the breeze passes through. Cool and light, brushing across your skin, balancing the warmth of the sun. You might notice the sunlight filtering through the leaves, flickering softly, shifting as the branches move.

SPEAKER_00 3:42

Light and shadow dancing gently around you.

SPEAKER_01 3:52

In this gentle space, life continues all around. Birds calling from nearby branches.

SPEAKER_00 4:08

A distant laugh carried on the wind. Maybe the faint rhythm of movement somewhere far off.

Rest Without Earning It

SPEAKER_01 4:20

But here, beneath the tree, there is stillness. Take a slow breath in. Let the tree support you.

SPEAKER_00 5:08

Let the ground hold you. There is nothing you need to do here. You don't have to grow or change or figure anything out. Even in the middle of the season of growth, you are allowed to rest. If it feels right, gently notice what does it feel like to be supported without needing to earn it.

SPEAKER_01 5:53

Let that question set quietly within you.

SPEAKER_00 5:59

Stay here for a few more breaths. Resting, supported, part of something steady and ongoing.

SPEAKER_01 6:18

And when you're ready, begin to bring your awareness back, noticing your breath again, the rise and fall. Gently becoming aware of your body, the space around you, maybe inviting small movement, wiggling your fingers and your toes. Rolling your shoulders softly.

SPEAKER_00 7:36

And as you return, carry this with you. You are allowed to pause even as life moves forward around you. Thank you for taking time out of your day. I'll meet you again here soon. Take care.