So welcome back, to Day Five of the Balance pack. For now, get comfortable, in the usual way. And let’s begin with some deep breaths. In through the nose, out through the mouth.
Geoffrey will be downstairs any minute. I can hear him. He's going to drop the newspapers on the floor again too.
Gently close your eyes, if you haven’t done so already. And as you continue to focus on the breath, scan down through the body, not resting anywhere, noting any physical or emotional changes.
12,722 steps yesterday. My knees never hurt when Andy asks about them, but they’re hot clamps on the stairs.
And now, return to the breath. Just breathe as you would normally. And for a moment, remember why you’re doing this, how this might impact your relationships. Think about who might benefit from you doing this.
Why should I? ‘Nice stracci, thanks.’ ‘Hey, the beet yogurt from Chobani? Thanks.’ If you bought the yogurt, Geoffrey, I’d thank you too.
Keep your mind focused on the breath as it moves through the body. If it wanders, that’s normal, just gently return it to the breath.
Andy has such big arms. He must work out every day. Those blue shirts look like they’re going to burst.
You can put your hand on your diaphragm, just above the stomach, to feel the air move in and out.
I wonder what his body says to him when he scans through it.
Feel the warm, liquid sunlight, the spaciousness, flowing down into the body, into your feet, your legs, your arms.
Okay.
Now, for the last few moments of the exercise, let your mind wander, let it go free, let it think whatever it wants.
Nope. Nothing.
Remembering the quality of –
Warmth? Spaciousness? I bet spaciousness.
Spaciousness you feel. Try to carry that with you as you go about your day.
Andy never says to think of an ocean wave, but Jason Stephenson does, and he’s free on Youtube.
And as you become aware of the body, of the weight of the body, reflect for a moment on how good it is to take time out for yourself . . .
Damn straight.
And if you can, try to take a moment now and then throughout the day to reflect on this feeling, and to be in the present, even if it’s just for a moment.
Ellen at Aroma in half an hour. I’ve got a streak of five, and she’s only got three.
And I’ll see you back here next time, for Day Six.