Thursday, April 18, 2013

grounding...




I was asked to write a grounding meditation today.  I really enjoy grounding meditations & have led some before, but it's been awhile so I was feeling a little rusty... I started to make excuses & actually came across this lovely website with scripts for guided meditations (http://www.innerhealthstudio.com/meditation-scripts.html)

Then I thought, I really should give it a try & write my own. & so I did. & I feel delightful :)


Begin by sitting comfortably in your chair, both feet on the ground.

Close your eyes.


Now elongate your spine, let it stretch down into the chair & upward toward the sky, as if you had a string coming out of the crown of your head, gently pulling your spine upward.  Allow your chin to stay tucked in and relaxed.

Welcome the breath into your body.  As you inhale, allow the breath down deep into your belly.  As you exhale, allow your body to release the tensions, the stress, the to-do lists- exhale them out of your body.

All around us is energy.  Below our feet is the energy of the earth, above our heads, the energy of the universe.  As we breathe in, imagine this energy coming into our bodies as a warm light, helping us to relax further into a calm & peaceful state.  As we breathe out, the energy helps us release our tensions &our stress.


Beginning at the crown of your head, imagine the energy from the universe as a warm liquid energy, that melts down your skin, leaving you free, calm, at peace, happy. 

It melts down your forehead... your brow... down your face... relaxing your jaw... around the back of your skull... your neck... your throat... let the liquid energy melt your shoulders... your chest... under your arms... down your arms... down your spine... into your solar plexus... where we hear the mantra, "I can. I will."...


The liquid energy continues to melt down your spine... opens up your belly... take another deep breath into your belly... opens up your pelvis... releases the tension in your thighs... behind your knees... down your calves... your ankles... your feet... especially the soles of our feet, which we ask to do so much for us... finally through the tips of our toes...spreading calm throughout our bodies...

The energy flows through our bodies & down into the earth where it meets with the energy of the earth, creating roots... as you breathe in, breathe in the energy from the earth... as you breathe out, send your roots deeper into the earth...

Now it is time to begin our journey back to our awareness of the present moment.  Keep your eyes closed for a moment, as you are returning to your awareness.  Start to take notice of of the floor under your feet... & where your body is touching the chair... continue to breathe deeply as we become more aware, more alert... we start listening to the sounds around us... the sounds of life happening in this moment... 


Gently start to wiggle your toes... move your fingers... slowly open your eyes, not needing to focus on anything just yet, but allowing your eyes to gaze down your nose to the floor... take a few more breaths as you become more alert, more aware... calm... at peace... energized...  

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

St. Theresa's Prayer

I'm not typically interested in reciting formal prayers.  I tend to express my spirituality more through action and informal dialogue with The Divine.  However, a friend introduced me to St. Theresa's prayer, which I immediately fell in love with.  I just adore that this poem isn't specific to a particular religion, but can be appreciated by people of any faith.  Today, it's message has been particularly resonant for me.

St. Theresa's Prayer

May today there be peace within.
May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others.
May you use the gifts that you have received and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content with yourself just the way you are.
Let this knowledge settle into your bones and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise, and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Weekend In Stockholm

I've been working on a blanket for some time now.  I've struggled with finding time for crafting in recent months, but I attended a workshop at the Seton Cove on Hoshin, which helped me to realize that I can't spend my time focusing on my work/life balance.  Rather, I make time for life and work will find it's place.  I love that concept... and so far, it's been the right thing to do.

So I've picked back up my throw and am just loving it!  The pattern is called Weekend In Stockholm, by Debbie Stoller (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/weekend-in-stockholm-throw).  I've changed some of the colors to better fit my preferences, but tried to keep the same energy. I'm hoping to have it done before winter is over... we'll see I suppose!  

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Best. Pancakes. Ever.

I love pancakes & this recipe from King Arthur Flour makes the best pancakes I've ever had:
http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/self-rising-pancakes-or-waffles-recipe

I've spent the morning listening to John Denver & whipping up a double batch with sliced bananas.  I'm so looking forward to a fun Sunday with my love!

Peace & love!

Friday, January 20, 2012

My Prayer for Today

Let's embrace this life that we've been blessed with. 
Let's be spontaneous & have our adventures. 
Let's say YES!!! to life & to new experiences & to new joys. 
Let's appreciate the old joys & learn to move forward with them. 
Let's make the best of the possibilities that we have & the simple treasures we are presented with everyday.
Let's cherish the simple joys. 
This is what we get, is what we've earned, & this is our only chance to appreciate it. 
So let's do it!