A Meditation for Transitioning from Carefree Summer to Purposeful Fall

As school season arrives, it brings with it waves of rhythm and purpose.  But those waves of rhythm and purpose don’t wash away the light and playfulness of summer.  They exist together in balance.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdGs4pvgR9M

Notice the light, playful sound of the waves.  Let your breaths come and go as they please, light and playful like the waves.  Just breathe and feel. 

Now begin noticing the rhythm of the waves.  Let your breath find a rhythm.  Welcome in this more intentional and purposeful breathing.  

Slowly move your awareness to your head.  Guide your memory to a time when you spent a whole day focussed on one thing.  Maybe it was reading a book or building a project. Maybe it was when you were a child.  Whatever memory comes up first just go with it.  Just breathe in the waves and let your head remember what it felt like to be so engrossed in one thing. 

As the memory fades away, go back to feeling the rhythm and purpose of your breath.

Now move your awareness to your throat.  Guide your memory to a time when you felt like you made a bit of difference in the world.  Maybe it was a personal mission or a passion project. Maybe it was when you were a child. Whatever memory comes up first just go with it.  Just breathe in the waves and let your throat remember what that passion and focus felt like.  

As the memory fades away, go back to feeling the rhythm and purpose of your breath.

Now move your awareness to your heart.  Guide your memory to a time when you did something that filled your heart with awe.  Maybe it was a story you heard or an accomplishment that you felt.  Whatever memory comes up first just go with it.  Just breathe in the waves and let your body remember when your heart felt awe. 

As the memory fades away, go back to feeling the rhythm and purpose of your breath.  

Now move your awareness to your hands.  Guide your memory to a time when you used your hands to create something.  Maybe it was artsy or maybe it was helpful to the world somehow.  Whatever memory comes up first just go with it.  Just breathe in the waves and let your body remember when you used your hands to create something with purpose.  

As the memory fades away, go back to feeling the rhythm and purpose of your breath.  

Now move your awareness to your hips.  Guide your memory to a time when you sat, still and focussed.  Maybe you were in nature or maybe you were in that quiet place.  Whatever memory comes up first just go with it.  Just breathe in the waves and let your hips remember what it felt like to sit in stillness.  

As the memory fades away, go back to feeling the rhythm and purpose of your breath.  

Now move your awareness to your whole body.  Guide your memory to a time when you did something that affected your whole body.  Maybe it was dancing or full-body laughing or something in nature.  Whatever memory comes up first just go with it.  Just breathe in the waves and let your whole body remember what it felt like to put your whole body into something.  

As the memory fades away, go back to feeling the rhythm and purpose of your breath.  

Closing Routine

When you are ready, rub fingers together and take three cleansing breaths.  Or a closing routine of your choice.