10 minute practice

At the start of each meditation session, light some incense or ring a bell or singing bowl and give thanks to your higher power. Keep these things in your meditation space. Ritual can be a powerful tool. Now sit in lotus position, with your back straight. Imagine a balloon on a string is gently pulling the crown of your head upward, straightening your spine and allowing an effortless flow of energy that creates balance and strength in the seven chakras that run from the base of your spine up to the crown of your head. Visualize the breath gently washing through your body, calming the nerves and releasing blocks... with every exhale see yourself expanding and opening... you are expanding into your limitless consciousness and every breath is expanding your awareness further away into space and into the serenity that exists there... you are opening to the healing love energy of the universe. Now visualize your body hollowing out from head to toe. There is a deity called Vijisattva, whose name means emptying out. You can call upon this energy force if you are having a hard time letting go. If you have a busy mind, try relaxing your tongue. When your tongue is relaxed thoughts don't form in a tangible way... don't chase it, just be... thoughts come into your mind and effortlessly pass through. Sometimes we have a busy mind and that's ok, just always come back to your breath.