“Constantly apply cheerfulness, if for no other reason than because you are on this spiritual path. Have a sense of gratitude to everything, even difficult emotions, because of their potential to wake you up”— Pema Chodron.

Be Happy for no particular reason–as we prepare for a brief meditation let’s remember joy and peace are ever present in us. 

So let’s begin to release concerns, and feel as if we are letting go of excess baggage in our hearts and heads. To encourage emptiness and infilling–we become conscious of our breathing, not only in the upper chest. Be focused on the breath entering the lower, then middle and upper chest during the in breath and letting go the breath from the upper, mid and lower abdomen. At least three of these breaths brings us into a clearer state of being.

The breath is a good anchor to return to wakefulness if our mind begins to meander. Now begin forming an image of a happy scene in your recent past. Bring it forward into the present through your imagination faculty of being. A happy scene may also be a positive experience, causing feelings of peace, pleasantness and focus on the now.

Next, bring to mind something of a restorative nature. For instance, set something in your mind that has been genuinely uplifting in the past 24 to 48 hours. If you cannot think of anything begin feeling grateful for the unfolding of spring–the bursting forth of new life around you and in you.

In this moment begin to still your senses, thinking upon and rest in the present awareness. You may light an imaginary candle or actually light a candle or steady yourself on a beautiful scene. Then steady your heart on light, a pleasant scene or sacred word such as Grace or Peace. Become serene inside and out regardless of where you are. Even for a minute or two or three.

We may say to self–this is my time to feel harmony and well-being throughout my mind, heart, body and entire life. I am the executive director of my being and I let go and simply allow the Presence of love and peace to fully support me in the stillness now……………………

in the stillness now…………………………………………………………………….

All is more than well, everything at its core is divine. I am divine. The light of God surrounds me. The love of God enfolds me. The power of the Divine protects me. And the Presence of light and love is wherever I am and all is well in me and in my life, Amen.