I thought I would write a simple relaxation meditation, one that can be used anywhere. It is one I often use when I'm feeling stressed out from work, classes and life in general. It helps me to take a step back and remember to slow down and enjoy all the wonderful things life has to offer.

The first time I did this meditation, I was sitting in my office going a bit batty from all the pressures that had been building up around me all day. I thought I was going to burst. I was depressed with the state of things around me and the amount of work I had to do. Nothing seemed to be going my way. I realized I had to take a step back or I was going to take off the head of the next person who dared to peek their head into my abode.

I started just breathing slowly and trying to think of all the things I wished I would see and feel outside my office. This is the meditation that came from that.

Make a list of ten things you appreciate in life. They can be anything that brings you pleasure and makes you feel good. Keep it simple. Think of everyday things that you often forget about. Look outside and see the world, spot things that you have missed. Think of the Sound of Music, list a few of your favorite things.

Breathe in through your nose with one. As you do breathe in think of the first thing on your list. Then, exhale through your mouth on two and think of the next thing on your list. Breathe in on three and continue down the list in a similar fashion. Repeat as many times as you like.

Here is an example. This is the list of things I use. Feel free to use them yourself or improvise. Feel free to add more items to the list, I know there are days when more things pop into my head and I just have to include them.

Breath in, One: warm sun
Breath out, Two: the smell of leaves
Breath in, Three: a really tall saguaro
Breath out, Four: flying birds
Breath in, Five: warm breezes on wet skin
Breath out, Six: letters from friends
Breath in, Seven: dawn
Breath out, Eight: the mountains
Breath in, Nine: a cup of tea
Breath out, Ten: the sound of rain

See? It is kind of silly and very simple, but it makes me remember all the things I sometimes forget in the craziness of the day.

Let this meditation carry you away if you like and have the time. Allow you mind to fixate on some of the images that are conjured up on your head as you slowly breathe and count out your ten wonderful things.

Posted by Utopia at August 2, 2005 10:31 AM

Comments

Post a comment