Hey there, it's Michael on Mondays. I like sharing a short practice with you so we can start the week off on the right foot. And considering this is the first Monday of the new year. Happy New Year. By the way, I thought I'd share this moment with you. You can find it on my app, which is called Pause, breathe, reflect.
It's all about crossing a bridge, much like we're doing as we cross from one year into a new one in it. You'll hear me repeat. Oti Shanti, Shanti. It is a mantra that invites peace as we cross the bridge literally and figuratively into the new year. The first reference of Shanti is about peace from external or higher power disturbances, natural events, if you will.
The second reference of Shanti is about peace from worldly disturbances like noise that. Is all around us. And the third reference to Shanti is peace from internal struggles, ones that we can all relate to, those found in the mind, the body, and spirit. If you're ready, settle in to a comfortable position.
And if it's safe to do so, you may wish to close your eyes as you listen to crossing a bridge.
Place your hand on my back and feel the tremor that rattles my foundation. Notice the shallowness of my breath. As I step into the unknown,
I have hope, energy, excitement for what? Awaits. I know I can't change the world, but believe this next chapter will change the world within me. Still, I walk with heaviness and sadness, leaving behind what is comfortable.
This alchemy of feelings leaves me unsure of what lies ahead.
Um.
Hold my hand. Summon the courage to brave the winds. As I take my first step toward a new beginning. Remind me to breathe.
Help me feel safe. To dare what? Must be dared. And cross high above the ground.
Step by small step, letting go of what has held me back as you witness my growing confidence. Looking, listening, learning to see the perfect spring from the perfect.
Om Shanti, Shanti Shanti.
Invite others to join me. As I cross this bridge, help me stay present so I can hear the whispers in my body and heart.
Give me the space to listen to be curious with the unknowing, allowing my path to unfold with grace.
Help me see my scars as golden symbols of my strength.
Give me the peace that this bridge will take me to where I need to be. Help me see what is called for now.
Ti Ti shanti.
Provide me with the love and kindness to support others as they cross.
Help me see. That we are more than connected. We are one.
Give me the strength to sit with what's uncomfortable and hear, see and love those. I meet along the way. Hug me and let me feel your embrace to remind me that as I transform you will be with me every step of the way. Um, ti Shanti, Shanti. Peace.
When you feel ready, you can begin to ease your attention and flutter the eyes open if you've had 'em closed. I hope you enjoyed this moment, and if you did, you may wish to share it with someone you know. You can find this moment as well as other microdose practices on my app, which is called Pause, breathe, reflect.
And it's now free in Apple's App Store and on Google Play. Thank you for sharing a moment with me and being part of our community, and I hope you'll check out the other episodes I have for you this week. Until then together, let's put a beautiful ripple into the world.
