A Walk in the Forest

It is good to lie down during this relaxation, but if it is more convenient to you, you can sit up in a comfortable chair, feet on the floor and hands loosely in your lap.  Let your spine be straight and for a few moments focus only on your breath ...  Observe how the breath goes in and out ... in and out.  With each outgoing breath consciously release all conflicts, stresses and tensions... With each ingoing breath visualize clear, pure energy entering your body ...  Say to yourself:  "I now release all resistance ... all anxiety and fear ... and I take in peace and harmony...” (repeat)

Feel your body relax with this suggestion ... There is a pleasant, relaxed sensation in your feet now ... in your legs ... in your hips ... and in your abdomen ...  The feeling of warm relaxation spreads to your spine and back ... into your chest and into your shoulders ...  Your arms are free from tension now ... and so is your neck ...  All muscles in your face relax and your body rests comfortably and quietly. You are at ease ... let thoughts and outside disturbance go without much notice... the mind rests.

Now visualize yourself in a beautiful forest. It is the kind of forest you especially like.   It is quiet, it is peaceful.  Tall trees reach to majestic heights. A path opens in front of you and you follow it, unafraid … Walking along the path, you become aware of the softness of the earth beneath your feet … cushioning every step you take.

As you continue on your way, you notice ferns of every variety growing along the path between clumps of rock.  You stop to look at a small cluster of fern for a moment, growing there unconcerned in between the rocks. Nearby a ladybug struggles up the stem of a wild flower ... falls off ... and climbs again.  You realize that both ladybug and flower are sharing this moment together; each is allowing the other to be part of its experience.   There is communion between these two ...there is cooperation ... there is allowing ... just as there is between the rocks and the ferns.

Your glance catches a tiny snake, sunning itself.  If the thought of a snake bothers you, please try to remember that, like all else, the snake too has a place in creation.  Like you, it has a purpose and a right to be, and as you watch the little creature absorbing the life-giving warmth of the sun, you understand the harmonious relationship between both.

You come to a clearing now and in the clear blue sky you see some birds circling on silky wings, high above the treetops in unison with the currents of air which carry them. You observe other birds nesting in the trees ... and you know that the birds and trees are in agreement.  You hear the breeze rustling through the trees and you know that both, breeze and trees are singing the same song together …

There is a spot of soft green moss inviting you to sit down and rest for a while.  You look around and you realize that the whole forest is in harmony. Every plant and animal, every insect is sharing its experience of the moment with another.  Each has its place, its purpose to fulfill … all are in harmonious agreement, giving way to each other, supporting the Whole …

And quietly, slowly you come to understand that you too are part of the forest.  You have as much right to be here, as do the trees, the birds, the ferns, flowers and the animals.  The Earth Mother on which you are standing is holding you, embracing you and providing for you.  You belong.  The peace and serenity of the forest is yours to experience and to hold.

The entire forest is sharing itself with you …not just part of it, but all of it.  You belong here.  You are the beloved child of the Earth … you are Mother Earth's beloved child and she welcomes you home …be at home … be at peace…  be at One . . .

                                              (Extended pause)

 As you come out of your relaxation, take time to gently awaken your body.  Take a few deep breaths and slowly begin to move hands and feet.  Give your whole body a gentle stretch … relax again … and when you are ready, open your eyes.   Observe how you feel.