Where do you “go” when you meditate? Do you imagine yourself floating among the clouds, swimming in the oceans? I return to places real and in dreams that I’ve found peace and calm in. Using these thoughts and memories is like a little flashback you can return to anytime you feel stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, sad, angry, or you just want a spot of calm.
Sit upright in a chair with your back straight and feet on the floor.
Take a deep breath in expanding your belly and breathe out.
Close your eyes if you feel comfortable to do so.
Imagine you are walking on a path through woods with tall pine trees and great big oaks. You reach out and brush your fingers through the soft green pine needles as you walk past. The path with each footstep feels soft, springing you back with each contact. It's like the path breathes at your pace, in and out, in and out.
You reach a fork in the path and choose a direction. It doesn't matter which you choose, both are filled with light and the path ahead continues to wind seamlessly with the speed of your breath. In and out, left and right, up and down.
You come upon a creek with flowing water and walk along the side of the creek by the water's edge, being careful of the loose stones that wobble and slide and spot a few fish swimming with the current.
A few paces down the creek, the water becomes still, still enough you can use it as a looking glass. Finding a big, smooth and steady rock by the creek bed, you kneel down to peer into the calm water. Your reflection! How beautiful you are! How strong you are! How confident and capable you are!
You reach gently into the water, causing a few ripples, blurring your reflection, but feeling much more refreshed and invigorated than when you entered these woods. You feel comforted knowing you can return here anytime you wish but ready to move forward with your day.
You take another breath in and then out and slowly rise from your spot at the creek. Continuing your walk forward, and when you're ready, start to regain total consciousness of where you are sitting, your feet comfortably on the floor, still breathing in and out and opening your eyes, still feeling beauty, strength, and confidence surrounding you refreshed and ready for your day.