You Are a Gift

I invite you to join me in this mindfulness exercise that is centered on a gentle reminder that you are a gift from your ancestors and those that occupy this land before us. So to begin, see if you can find a comfortable resting position. You might choose to soften your gaze or close your eyes for a moment here if it feels safe to do so. Allow your body to accept a moment of peace and stillness. If you are in movement, perhaps you decide to slow your pace and take notice of the rhythms of the world around you, or tune inward to the sensations of your body. With a deep inhale, see if you can quiet your mind and melt into a sense of calm. With a slow exhale, see if you can allow yourself to let go of something that is not serving you at this moment. Take a moment to check in with the quality of your thoughts at this time. Paying attention to the quality of your thoughts, exhale judgment, inhale compassion. You're welcome to open your eyes or you may choose to keep your eyes closed or gaze softened for the duration of this exercise. It can be hard to know and hold onto our purpose. Sometimes we forget that we are a gift from our ancestors and that the future awaits us. Sometimes the heart, body, and mind ache with a thirst for something more or a longing for what was. Sometimes it's difficult to be exactly where your feet are or to know where you belong. In those moments of uncertainty, look to the tree beings. The tree being set an intentional reminder every day to remember our roots. Imagine grounding your being down through the earth by pressing and reaching through your heels to the tips of your toes into the land. The tree beings are some of our oldest and wisest grandfathers and grandmothers, spreading a message to stand tall and sturdy throughout some of the harshest of moments where we are asked to weather the ever changing seasons of life. Others also occupy and live amongst the tree beings. We hear them before we see them. They're melodies and melodic bursts from the leaves and branches of the trees. Such beautiful sounds emerge and are carried in the breeze through the leaves. In this moment, imagine with me beautiful songbirds singing about your gifts to the tree beings as acts of tender love as they continue to stand with you in whatever way you show up, reminding you of your bravery and your truth. Pause and listen. Breathe this into your body. Allow that to land. At this moment, through your presence of spirit, heart, mind, and body, you are walking minobimaatisiiwin or the good life. Resilience is birthed into your being; a resilience that knows not just survival, but fierce love, wisdom, kindness, humility, bravery, honesty, and truth. I was always taught to build relationships with the...