It's Okay to Rest: A Short Meditation to Slow Down

If you are feeling tired, you are not alone. This time of year can be hard. This week's short meditation can help. The shorter days can be overwhelming and the lists of tasks to accomplish are as long as ever.

But maybe this time of year is Mother Nature's reminder that everything needs rest. So let this week's mini meditation serve as your reminder that it is ok to slow down. That including a few minutes of meditation in your day can help. It might even give you that much needed space to recharge.

Grab your headphones and give yourself a few minutes to check in, to recharge while listening to this short, soothing meditation.

For more information about Hannah Castillo and her meditation practice, visit the website and blog at https://www.love-your-calm.com

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Transcript

Hannah Castillo:  Welcome to the Love Your Calm podcast. Mini meditations to help you slow down and find your balance in this fast-paced world.

Hello and welcome.

This time of year can be hard for a lot of us. The days are shorter and often it seems that there's even more to fit into those shorter days. The pressure to do it all can be exhausting. But maybe this time of year is Mother Nature's reminder that everything needs rest and sometimes we all need the reminder that it's okay to slow down.

This week's short meditation invites you to give yourself a few minutes to slow down and recharge.

Let's get started.

Begin by finding a comfortable position. Take any movements you may need to help you get settled in a way that feels good for you. If it feels safe for you, consider closing your eyes or maybe just soften your gaze. Let's take one intentional breath here together to help settle into this practice. Inhale fully through your nose, filling your lungs completely. Hold it for a moment and then exhale completely through your mouth, beginning to release any tension you may be holding.

As you begin to settle into your breath, notice the natural rhythm of your breathing as this ebb and flow begins to guide you into a state of deeper relaxation. With each inhale, invite in a sense of calm. With each exhale, let go of any urgency or pressure you may be feeling. 

Take a moment here to bring your awareness to your body. Notice any areas of tension or discomfort to simply be with these sensations without any need to change them. Feel the surface beneath you, cradling and supporting your body, a reminder that in this moment you are safe and held. Acknowledge that it's okay to pause here to take a step back from the pressures of daily life. I invite you to spend a moment reflecting on the pace of your life. Notice any thoughts or feelings that may arise when considering the idea of rest. Sometimes there may even be an underlying feeling of guilt. Gently acknowledge whatever comes up for you, while also reminding yourself that rest is an essential part of growth and renewal for every living being. It is okay to to rest.

As you continue to breathe, embrace the stillness around you. This moment is an invitation to slow down. There's no need to rush. You are exactly where you need to be right now. Take a couple of rounds of breath here and this peace you have created. Feeling the calm of this moment settle within you, giving yourself permission to recharge.

And when you are ready, begin to shift your awareness back to the space around you. Take any movements you may need, maybe wiggle your fingers and toes a little and slowly, when it feels good for you, open your eyes. Feeling more relaxed and ready to return to your day.

Thank you for joining me for this week's short meditation. It means so much to me that you are here. I love the idea of people all around the world meditating together, and I love watching these little pockets of calm continue to grow.

So if you found this practice helpful, do me a favor and share it with a friend.

Be sure to hit, subscribe or follow wherever you are listening.

And as always, thank you for helping me spread the word that including a few minutes of meditation in your day really can make a difference.

Until next week...