When you think of meditation, maybe you think of sitting in the lotus position focusing on your breathing until you can empty your mind.  That’s a laudable form of meditation and not one I’ve managed to do longer than approximately 20 seconds.  I do, however, practice a form of Mindfulness Meditation with an intention towards corralling my thoughts in order to rewrite my habitual brain patterns.

I had a bad day, one of those days where you feel like the world is out to get you and the despair sinks in.  I felt myself on the edge of the Dark Forest.  When I could finally wrest myself away from obligations, I crawled into bed, curled up in the fetal position, and nearly fell into a Deep Pit.

Then meditation came to mind.  I have a personal meditation that I’ve created for myself.  It grounds me, brings me back to reality, and directs me to focus on finding the positive.  I was no where near to feeling it, but it was worth a shot…

I am safe.  I am protected.  I am secure.  I am safe.  I am part of a bigger whole.  I belong.  I am safe.  I am provided for.  Abundance is all around me.  I am safe.  I am a part of the universe.  I am whole.  I am safe.

I go on like this until the mantras begin to soothe me.  Then I look for evidence that what I am saying is true.  Well, I am lying in a warm, comfortable bed in a shelter with paid rent with my faithful, loyal pup curled up next to me.  I have a job today and I am grateful for the income and benefits.  I have a wide network of friends and family who care about me, love me, encourage me, support me, inspire me, stand with me.  I have taken measures to look out for myself, to live in a safe neighborhood, to build what safety nets I can.  Through out my life, no matter what has come up, I have gotten by and everything has been okay.

I release the need to know my future.  I release the need to control my life.  I release the need to understand everything that happens.  I release the need to know how things will work out.  I release the need to control others.  I release the need to understand why things are the way they are now.  I release the need, just for this moment, to worry about security.  I accept and receive the security that is here right now.  I release the need, just for now, for acceptance.  I accept the support and love that is here right now.  I release my fear of lack.  I am grateful for the abundance, prosperity, provision, and wealth that is mine right now.  I release my fear of the unknown.  I welcome the unfolding mystery that is life.

From here I work my way up the remaining chakras — an ancient model of physical and emotional centers in the body that provides a scaffolding for my meditation.

I am energetic, vibrant, healthy, joyful, creative, abundant, bursting forth with newness and life.  I am powerful and capable, industrious and resourceful, radiant and assured.  I am loving, kind, empathetic, and compassionate.  I speak my truth boldly with inspiration and enthusiasm.  I listen to my intuition and allow myself to see beyond my personal blocks.  I am grateful for my wisdom and the wisdom of others.

By the time I finished my mindful mediation, I realized I wasn’t depressed anymore!  I was able to get right out of bed and go about my evening.  In the past, it could take me hours, days, weeks, months, or years to pull out of a downspin.  This is a remarkable testament to the empowerment I have been practicing!

I encourage you to give it a try!