Befriending What Is

So just taking a moment to get comfortable and settle in here for this meditation. And when you're ready, just allowing your eyes to lightly close. And just inviting you now to take three deep, slow, full breaths. So, breathing in, really filling the lungs with air on the inhale. And breathing out.

And as you exhale, just seeing if you can get a sense of allowing any tension or tightness in the body just soften a little bit and let go. And two more breaths like that in your own time now. And now just letting your breath return to its own natural rhythm, just relaxing any control of the breathing. But just continuing now to be attentive to that feeling of the breath in your physical body, that gentle rhythmic flow. So mindfulness is often defined by researchers as simply a present moment, non-judgmental awareness, but to develop the deep peace, fulfillment, and inner stillness that mindfulness can offer, it's not just awareness but a kindly awareness that's required.

And so fundamental to mindfulness is this attitude of kindness that many of the world's most respected teachers are often now using the word kindfulness instead of mindfulness to really remind people that an attitude of kindness and befriending of our experience is necessary. So let's try bringing that kindliness into this practice and see how it feels. So just inviting you now to expand your awareness out from the breath and just having a sense of taking in the totality of your moment. Sounds, sensations, smells, even emotions that might be here. And seeing if you can meet it all with an attitude of warmth and kindliness.

So just sitting here with a wide open awareness of the present moment. And there may be things arising that are unpleasant, some that are pleasant, and just putting the welcome mat out, so to speak, for all of it, for whatever arises, moment by moment, as best you can. And now if you care to, just feeling the flow of the breath in your body again for a few moments. And as this practice draws to a close, just taking a deep slow breath in again. And letting it go, begin to wriggle the fingers and toes.

And when you're ready, just opening the eyes. So perhaps now, making an intention to take this attitude of kindness, of befriending what is, into the rest of your day. So wishing you a really great day ahead and we look forward to being back here with you again for tomorrow's Daily Mindfulness.