Imagine yourself standing on the bank of a beautiful wide river. You can just make out the opposite river bank in the distance, way over on the other side.
It’s a beautiful day so why not relax and enjoy this precious, present moment.
There’s a boat waiting for you. Make yourself comfortable in the boat. Relax into the cushions and shawls.
When you’re ready, the boat eases away from the edge and drifts out into the river.
You’re in the middle of the river now, and the boat comes to a standstill.
Behind you is the bank where you began. It’s the past. Everything that’s happened today. Everything that’s happened in your life. It’s the past. It’s what it is. The past cannot be changed. But you can change. Your heart will heal. Your mind will settle. Whatever happened in the past, it brought you to this moment of peace.
On the other bank, that’s the future. It hasn’t happened yet and anything is possible.
And where you are is right in the middle. In the present.
The peaceful present. Feeling the peace in the environment around you, and recognizing the peace within you. This is peace.
Is there something about the past that you’re ready to release? A feeling, or a belief that no longer serves you? Something you’d like to let go?
There are some leaves in the boat. Pick up one of the leaves. Hold it out over the side of the boat. Say to your self “I free myself”. And let it go, the leaf and what it means to you,
let it drift away downstream, carried by the river’s gentle currents. Watch it drift down the river. … And out of sight.
If you have any concerns or worries about the future, about what lies ahead, pick up one of the leaves on the floor of the boat. Hold it out over the side of the boat. Say to yourself “I trust ”. And let it go, the leaf and your concerns. Watch as it drifts away downstream, carried by the river’s currents. Drifting away from you, down the river. And out of sight. This is peace.
The boat continues forward, conveying you across the river.
As you approach the river bank, your boat slows down, and comes to a halt.
Whenever you become aware that your thoughts or your feelings are pulling you back to dwell in the past, or drawing you forward to worry about the future, you can bring yourself mindfully back to the here and now, where you find your peace and your power.
This meditation is coming to a close.
When you’re ready, open your eyes.
credits
from Being Present on the River,
released April 23, 2020
Written and spoken by Carmen Warrington
Music created and recorded by Carmen Warrington and David Jones
Carmen is a singer/songwriter and meditation artist. She has a large and appreciative global fan-base for her guided
meditation CDs. ABC Australia commissioned her to create the Meditations for Life series of 8 CDs (on spotify). She is also a best-selling author. In 2013 she crowdfunded the CD - Angel Songs. She is a teacher on the Insight Timer app. Carmen plays crystal singing bowls soundbaths...more
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