A still morning
The house is still.
Overcast skies are illuminating the room with a cool gray light. Steam dances from my hot cup of coffee. My beautiful Labrador, with her soft, black coat is curled up by my feet.
The calmness is complimented by a ‘Sound Bath’ Spotify playlist singing slow and meditative tones.
Sitting with intentional reflection. There is no urgency today. Today I will rest. Today I will heal.
While in this state of quiet, I begin a simple Box Breathing exercise.
I sit fully upright. I imagine a string gently attached to the top of my spine, stretching and guiding me to the heavens. I roll my shoulders back and open my spirit to receive positive energy. Softly closing my eyes to allow total focus on the sensations to be experienced during this practice.
Beginning with a deep and cleansing inhale through the nose for a count of ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR… I feel my lungs expand and a surge of oxygen rush in. I imagine a white light entering my head, moving across the surface of my brain, and washing away any negative energy.
Holding the air for a count of ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR. I notice colorful shapes of light dancing behind my eyelids. My chest filled to capacity. I imagine this cloud of air absorbing all the sickness, fear, frustration, and worries that are within me.
Releasing for a count of ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR. Blowing out slowly as if trying to make a candle dance without snuffing the flame. Letting go of all the weight I have unknowingly been carrying. Allowing those heavy emotions to evaporate.
PAUSE in this moment of depletion for a count of ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR. A slight, pulsating hum massages my mind. Momentarily depriving ourselves brings awareness and appreciation to how essential our breath is.
I refresh my body with the next relieving, deep inhale.
After a few minutes of this mindful practice, I allow my natural breathing to return. In a state of complete relaxation and a refreshed mind, I slowly open my eyes.
I look around the room to reintroduce my spirit to the present. Everything seems brighter. To ground myself, I acknowledge my five senses and note my surroundings.
I notice the leaves of the money tree, which is set on a small table in the corner, fluttering from the breeze of the fan. My black lab has repositioned herself. She is now laying in a sliver of warm sunlight peeking through the window and painting the wood floor. I hear the sound of a lawnmower whirring in the distance. My cup of coffee has cooled and needs to be refreshed.
Looking at the time, I know my children will soon rise from their summer sleep. Energy will soon shift, but I have prepared my mind to graciously accept each moment.
Feeling recentered, I rise to continue my day.
Today I will release tension. Today I will remain grounded.