Guided Meditation

Right now, many of us are filled with growing stress and anxiety. As stress increases, so does the need to find healthy ways to relieve it. Stress relief is just one of the many benefits of practicing meditation.

Today, we’re #HereForYou with Faye — a meditation teacher and wellness coach — who will steer you through a guided meditation. Over the course of about 10 minutes, you’ll relieve built-up stress and tension, become more aware of your mind and body, and leave feeling lighter and brighter.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned meditating veteran, this meditation will work wonders. All you’ll need is a comfortable place to sit and an open mind.

Without further ado, here’s your guided meditation with Faye!

The Art of Relaxation

If you’re fairly new to meditation, this practice will exercise your ability to relax and let go. When starting a meditation, you may experience a flood of different thoughts rush into the forefront of your mind; this is perfectly normal.

Recognize these thoughts, but allow yourself to set them aside and come back to them later.

For now, bring your awareness to the center of yourself as you create space in your mind. Likewise, throughout the practice, you’ll be using your breath the same way to create space in your body.

The Physical Body Scan

Today, you’ll be going through a physical body scan. By bringing awareness to the different areas of your physical body, you’ll likely notice things that you may not have been aware of before.

As you gaze inward, you’re able to take in what’s actually going on in your body. You’ll notice thoughts and feelings as well as aches and pains. After this meditation, get up and move around. Stretch, do yoga, or go for a walk — do something to ease your aches and pains.

If you’re ready to begin, find a comfortable place to sit. You may be seated in a traditional cross-legged position or you might be in your favorite chair. As long as your back is straight, anything will do.

Your Guided Meditation

Throughout this meditation, you’ll be focusing on deep, conscious breathing. As you continue to breathe, allow each breath to become deeper, wider, and rounder than the one before. Begin by taking your first of many deep breaths.

Inhale. Exhale. Relax.

Allow yourself to feel as your body arrives. You feel the ground beneath you and your weight as you rest on it. Here you start to notice all of the different emotions and physical sensations that you may have previously overlooked.

As you begin your body scan, bring all of your awareness to your feet. Feel any tension that may be there and feel the Prana — subtle energy or life force — that exists there.

Take your awareness and gradually move it all the way to the crown of your head. Do this slowly and deliberately as you notice any areas of tension, heaviness, or anxiety along the way. These sometimes will feel like physical aches or even heavy emotions.

Expel these toxins from the body by breathing. Inhale space and your awareness. Exhale the toxins and let go. You don’t need heaviness or stress. Release it, and make room for more positive energy.

Soften your face and bring your awareness to your brain. Allow yourself to let go. Feel the ripples of relaxation flow down through your body. Now, with sharp focus, bring your attention back to your breath.

The Power of Your Breath

Focus only on your breath. With each inhale, feel yourself expand and grow deeper; with each exhale, allow your body and mind to soften. Allow any heaviness or tension to simply melt away.

Take a few more deep, conscious breaths. Transport your awareness to the areas of your body that desperately need it.

As your breathing becomes more fluid, you’ll notice the quality of each breath. Your breath has been rejuvenated by simply taking the time to truly be aware of your mind and body.

Start wiggling your fingers and toes, and feel any sensations you’re newly aware of. Slowly open your eyes, and gently return your gaze to the room around you.

Finally, take one last deep breath. Remember, this is your sample of peace that you have wherever and whenever you need it.

Take Your Peace Wherever You Go

Meditation is an easy, powerful way to soothe both physical and emotional stress. You can easily adapt it to any situation. All you have to do is take a deep, conscious breath.

You can find Faye on Instagram @fayethesoulwriter where she’ll be leading more guided meditations!

As always, stay tuned for more #HereForYou tips from the Shapermint family.