The Inner Journey :
Imagine that you are standing on a white sandy beach.
It’s early in the morning, and a light, hazy mist surrounds you.
The sun is rising slowly. You can feel the warm, orange light on your face and your body.
You are feeling content. At ease. Relaxed.
The sand beneath your bare feet is soft and warm.
A light breeze caresses your face.
This beach is deserted. You have it all to yourself, and you have all the time in the world.
Listen to the relaxing sound of the ocean. Its waves are breaking gently on the shore.
Begin to walk slowly through the mist towards the water.
A small boat is waiting for you. The boat is comfortable and steady. Notice that it is tied to the shore with a strong rope.
Walk to the water’s edge and step into the boat.
You are feeling completely at peace, completely safe, and completely relaxed.
When you are ready, untie the rope...and let it go.
Relax, and allow the natural currents of the ocean to guide you away from the beach.
Your boat drifts smoothly. It rocks ever so gently in the water. This rocking motion relaxes you even more deeply.
The sun is now higher in the sky. Its light has gathered strength.
Notice that the mist that surrounds you is beginning to evaporate.
You can see the air becoming clearer and clearer.
Watch as the sun’s rays dissolve all of the mist. Now you can see clearly in all directions. It’s as though a veil has been lifted.
Sparkling ocean water surrounds you on all sides, and in front of you, a small island comes into view.
Your boat moves closer and closer to the island, gliding slowly and effortlessly through the water.
The island is drenched in sunlight. It is covered in tropical palm trees that sway gently in the breeze.
Your boat glides slowly forward, and comes to rest on the shore.
You have arrived.
Step out of the boat and take a moment to appreciate this place of sublime beauty.
Exotic birds dance from tree to tree, and brilliantly coloured flowers grow in abundance.
The air itself seems to shimmer and vibrate with pure, luminous energy.
You can hear the soothing sound of the wind as it passes through the trees.
In this place, you are free from all memories of the past. You are free from all concerns about the future. You are free from all responsibilities.
This is a place of total peace, and it is all yours.
You notice an opening between the palm trees. In the centre of this opening, there is a narrow path that leads deep into a rich green forest.
Begin your journey into the heart of the forest. Follow the path as it meanders between columns of ancient trees.
This forest seems familiar to you, like the memory of a pleasant dream, or a place you visited as a child.
Walk deeper into the forest. You are guided by a force that you trust, and that makes you feel safe, nurtured and still.
You have reached the very heart of the forest. Before you is a shimmering pond of crystal clear water. A pond of perfect stillness.
The pond is round, and it brims with pure spring water.
Notice that the water is perfectly still, like a mirror, free from even the slightest ripple.
A ladder with three steps leads down into the water.
You decide to bathe in this magical pond, and you undress.
As you take the first step down into the pond, you notice that the wind has eased. All the trees have become motionless.
As each moment passes, the world around you becomes more and more calm, and you yourself become more and more still.
As you lower yourself onto the second step, all the birds in the forest become quiet. Their silence is deep and reverent.
Now lower yourself onto the third and final step and glide into the water.
Feel yourself sliding into a deep state of relaxation. In this pond, your thoughts simply melt away.
All is still and silent. The only sound that remains is the sound of waves, far off in the distance.
Your mind seems to expand. You feel timeless...vast...empty...relaxed.
For the next few minutes, enjoy this experience of solitude and inner silence. When thoughts arise, simply let them go and return your awareness to the sound of the waves. When it’s time to return I will guide you home.
The guided meditation now pauses to allow for
approximately 5 minutes of inner silence.
The Return Journey :
Slowly bring your awareness back to the pond.
You are deeply relaxed and refreshed. Now it’s time to make your way back home.
Slowly begin to climb the ladder.
As your foot touches the lowest rung, notice how wonderful your body feels. You feel light, clear and happy.
As you step up to the second rung, the sound of birdsong returns.
Now, step up to the first rung on the ladder. As your foot touches the step, the breeze returns and the trees begin to sway again.
Dress yourself, and follow the path back to your boat.
You arrive back at the entrance to the forest. Your boat is waiting for you, just where you left it.
Walk to the water’s edge, and climb into the boat.
You feel relaxed and secure. You know that your boat will bring you home safely.
Your journey is effortless and calm. Like all of the moments in your life...effortless and calm.
Relax, and allow the current to guide you.
You arrive at the beach.
Step out of the boat and onto the sand. You are home.
Slowly become aware of the room in which you sit.
Wriggle your toes and fingers and when you are ready, open your eyes. Take your time and give yourself a few minutes to adjust before you get up.
