I started this day in such a lovely calm way. Arranging the pillows for sitting up and leaving the light out, I put my hand on my chest and took my attention to my breathing. In and out and in and out from low down in the tummy.
I put the other hand onto my tummy and continued breathing, observing that when focussed on the breath, thoughts don’t get any space to form. There’s spaciousness. I relax into it. When Thoughts arise they just come and go. I appreciate the sensations of the comfortable warm bed.
A few thoughts tugged at me and my attention was attracted into them, and I’d get temporarily lost in the content before realising and coming back to the breath. Then I let myself remember and feel into some scenes from the dreams I was having before I awoke.
The dog comes in to greet me. I say loving things to her in an affectionate tone which she loves and it occurred to turn them towards myself too. Why not.
I love you Elsa. I’m love myself
I am your friend. I am my friend.
You’re perfect. I’m perfect.
You’re so adorable. I’m so adorable.
This I note, is a far more sane way to start a day than straight onto the screen and what is happening in the world. When I do pick up my iPad after bringing a cup of tea back to bed, it’s a nutritious interview with Bernardo Kastrup I listen to.
The world is quiet out there, people are still to arise for the day. It is beautiful. I am happy to be here. The contraction inside has released a little.
When you become aware of silence, immediately there is that state of inner still alertness. You are present. You have stepped out of thousands of years of collective human conditioning. – Eckhart Tolle
Learning to Rest with it All 