Beach Ball Meditation

We know that many of our Cardies are fans of renowned mindfulness teacher and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh. He tells us something about our hearts when he says, “If we are not happy, if we are not peaceful, we cannot share peace and happiness with others, even those we love, those who live under the same roof. If we are peaceful, if we are happy, we can smile and blossom like a flower, and everyone in our family, our entire society, will benefit from our peace.”

So right now … how about kicking off your shoes and imagining that you’re taking a walk down to the shore, where the sand is silky, the sky soothing and water sparkling and calm? Lucky you, in this dream state, there’s not another soul around and, as you reach the water’s edge, you hear only the gentle lapping of the tide. Let yourself sit, either in the soft sand or the most comfortable lounge chair imaginable.

Breathe

When you’re settled, rest your hands on your tummy and breathe in. Fill that belly up like it’s a beach ball. Breathe in and breathe out. In and out. And as you watch your hands rise and fall, keep bringing your mind back to the ball. Picture its roundness and bright colors there in your core.

Reflect

Now imagine the ball absorbing any angst you may be holding there, anything that’s rattled you this past week. Let it take in your worries, any stressors, all unfinished business. Fill it with your fears, sadness and expectations.

Release

When you sense that ball is loaded with everything that stands between you and care-free, release it to roll away into the sea. In your mind‘s eye, watch that ball float farther and farther away until it’s out of sight. And trust that, under a beautiful half-moon over Miami tonight, all that negative energy will be transformed completely.

“To meditate means to go home to yourself,” says Thich Nhat Hahn. “When you know how to take care of the things that are happening inside you, you know how to take care of the things that happen around you.” Here’s to taking care of the one and only you.