Meditation No. 1 – Relaxing the Body

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If you are speaking this to another person or recording your voice, make sure you talk slowly and clearly.

In this meditation, you will become more relaxed and will release tension from each part of your body. You can use this meditation at any time and in any place. It is safe to use while driving.

Make sure you are sitting comfortably and wearing loose clothing. If you are wearing a belt, you might want to loosen or undo it. If possible, sit with your spine erect and feet flat on the floor. You can do this meditation lying down if you are not prone to falling asleep easily, but it may be less effective than sitting.

If you are not driving or doing something that requires open eyes, then close your eyes and begin by taking a few deep breaths. Inhale slowly and deeply, then hold your breath for about one second, and begin slowly exhaling. When you reach the end of the exhale, wait about one second before beginning the next slow deep inhale. Continue breathing this way throughout the meditation. If you find yourself forgetting to breathe, gently bring yourself back into this breathing rhythm.

Try to let any persistent thoughts in your mind just drift away. Imagine that there is nothing to think about and nothing to do but relax and breathe. Know that each time you do this meditation, it will be easier to breathe deeply and relax. During this meditation, you will remain awake and aware, and able to function effectively and efficiently in the world. You will be able to accept or reject anything I say. Everything I say is designed to help you improve your life. You are safe. You are completely at peace. Nothing can disturb you during this meditation. You will continue to listen to the sound of my voice as you relax.

Begin to notice the top of your head. Notice if it feels tight or loose, heavy or light. See if you can feel the weight of your head. Notice the weight of your eyelids. If your eyes are closed, let your eyelids drop naturally over your eyes. Do not try to force your eyelids shut. Feel the top of your head relaxing. With each breath, your head is becoming more relaxed.

Now focus your attention on your face. Notice if your cheeks are contorted or tense and if they are, relax. Let your mouth remain closed, but allow your teeth to separate. Do not clench your teeth. Feel your jaw drop a little from gravity.

Notice the back of your neck. How does it feel? If there is any tension, feel it draining away with each breath you take. Do not worry about your posture. Just hold your head up in the most comfortable way possible. Your neck is becoming completely relaxed.

Feel your head, neck and shoulders letting go and relaxing. Let your shoulders drop. Let the weight of your arms and hands pull your shoulders down. If there is any tightness or pain in your shoulders, feel it draining away with each breath. You are becoming more and more relaxed.

As you continue to breathe, remember to remain awake and aware, sensitive to your thoughts and feelings and in touch with any sensations in your body. Remember to breathe fully and deeply. Know that with each breath, you are relaxing more and more, yet remaining alert to anything that needs your attention.

Imagine a wave of relaxation moving down your spine, beginning at the back of your shoulders. Feel this warm, peaceful sensation moving one vertebra at a time until it reaches the base of your spine. If you find it difficult to sit erect while relaxing your spine, then let your spine slump a little just for this exercise. As you relax your spine, notice if there is any tightness or tension in your upper back. If there is, let it go with the next breath. Now do the same for the middle of your back. When you are sure your upper and middle back is completely relaxed, move down to your lower back. Your entire back and spine are now completely relaxed.

Now focus your attention on your chest. Notice whether or not your breath includes your chest or is restricted to your abdomen. If your inhale and exhale seem to be coming from your abdomen, gently bring the breath up to your chest area. Feel your lungs filling with air and expanding on each inhale. Feel your lungs contract and your chest subsiding with each exhale. Imagine any tension just drifting away with each breath.

Now move down to your abdominal area. With each breath focus on a different organ relaxing. Begin with the stomach. Imagine that your digestion is working perfectly and your stomach has just the right amount of food in it. Relax your stomach muscles and feel a wave of warm, peaceful energy moving over your stomach. On the next breath, do the same for the organs that are harder to feel. Your liver. Next, your spleen. Then your kidneys. And pancreas. If you are a woman, focus on your reproductive organs, uterus and womb. Next, move down into your colon area (below your stomach). Try to relax the muscles in this area. Notice whether or not your bladder is empty or full. If it is empty, relax it completely. If not, try to relax it as much as possible.

Begin to focus on your hips and buttocks. Again, let your posture go. Do not be concerned about it. If you are sitting in a chair, your hips and buttocks should be resting naturally on the chair. Feel the weight of your body on the chair. Feel yourself relaxing into the chair.

Imagine your relaxation continuing to move down into your legs, across your knees and down into your calves and lower legs. Notice how much your left leg is relaxing. Now notice how much your right leg is relaxing. Now relax both of them at the same time. Continue to breath and feel yourself entering a deep sense of peace and tranquility, while remaining awake and alert to any activity that requires your attention.

Now imagine that all your tension has collected in a ball at your feet. Feel this ball rolling out of the bottom of your feet. All tension is draining out through the bottom of your feet. Go ahead and wiggle your toes to release the last of the tension.

Now do the same for your arms, elbows, forearms, wrists, hands, and fingers. Feel all remaining tension draining out through your fingertips. Go ahead and wiggle your fingers.

Take a deep breath, deeper than before, and with the next exhale, let out an audible “sigh”. Let gravity force the breath out. Do not force your exhale. Imagine you are breathing a sigh of relief. With the next breath, let everything go. Feel your entire body relax and let go. There is nothing to worry about, nothing to fear. There is just this wonderful, peaceful, relaxed moment. Spend a few minutes now enjoying this peaceful moment. If any pain, tightness or tension arises anywhere in your body, release it with the next breath.

Know that with each breath, you are healing your body, mind and emotions more and more. Know that you can continue in this peaceful, relaxed state after the meditation is complete. Know that all you have to do to relax is focus on your body and breathe deeply and fully. This meditation will get easier and easier each time you use it. This meditation is completely safe. You are completely safe. Everything is in perfect order. There is nothing to do, nowhere to be, but be right here, right now.

Take a few more minutes to enjoy this peaceful state, and then when you are ready, open your eyes and stretch your body, wiggling your fingers and toes. Get up from your chair and move your body around gently, shaking out any tiredness. You are now refreshed and energetic, feeling rested and calm, with a clear mind and heart.

End of Meditation. To give a love offering, click here.