Kristen SimondsSunday Softening: Embrace Your Inner Still Point
Today’s Sunday Softening practice invites you to reconnect with your inner still point—a serene oasis of peace and tranquility that resides within you, always ready to be discovered. Embrace this moment to cultivate calm and find solace as you journey deeper into yourself.
Jump TO Today’s Practice When we settle, the inner landscape changes.A subtle shift.
A quiet blooming of awareness.
Stillness has a way of showing us
what's been here all along.
What meets you in the quiet?
discovering stillness
Before having a meditation or yoga practice, my understanding of a still point was limited; I experienced moments of tranquility amidst chaotic situations, fleeting moments of peace while emotions raged within me. These instances became precious gems hidden in the turmoil of daily life, prompting me to question the essence of these experiences. I felt curious about the nature of these moments, which evoked a feeling familiar from calm times, such as watching the tide roll in or seeing the sun slip below the horizon. Those serene visuals offered a glimpse into a deeper state of being, fueling my desire to cultivate more of these precious moments in my life. How could I create more of these moments? How could I truly immerse myself in this sacred space of stillness?
Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich on Pexels.comcurious exploration
The desire to understand how to cultivate these moments led me to seek this presence, this stillness that felt elusive yet profoundly comforting. As I explored practices like meditation, reiki, and yoga, I discovered that they provided a path not only to recognize but also to embrace this state, helping me uncover layers of tranquility I never knew existed within me. With each session, I deepened my connection to my inner self, igniting a passion to delve further into this journey of self-discovery and inner peace.
Let us now take a moment to seek the stillness within.
Settle into your space mindfully.
Take a deep breath in through your nose, holding it briefly before releasing it slowly through your mouth.
Allow any thoughts to drift away as you focus on the gentle rhythm of your breath.
Feel the weight of your body against the surface you are on, grounding you to the present moment.
With each exhale, imagine releasing any tension or distractions, creating a space for tranquility and inner peace.
Embrace this stillness, allowing it to recharge your spirit and bring clarity to your mind.
You are always connected to this calm center; it simply takes a moment of reflection to realize it.
Note how you feel before and after this little pause. Does your body feel heavier, more relaxed, more fluid? Has your heart rate slowed? What about your breath? Is it deeper and slower?
Next time, try placing one hand on your heart and one on your belly. Take time to notice the beat of your heart, the rise and fall of your chest and belly as the world breathes you.
parasympathetic Nervous system
These little meditative pauses are a powerful tool for resetting the parasympathetic nervous system by inducing a state of deep relaxation, which counters the effects of stress. During meditation, the body’s heart rate and blood pressure decrease, promoting a sense of calm and stability. This practice encourages slow, deep breathing that enhances oxygen flow, activating the vagus nerve, which plays a crucial role in the parasympathetic response. As an individual focuses inward, cognitive functions such as stress and anxiety diminish, allowing the body to return to a balanced state. Regular meditation fosters resilience to stress, improving overall mental and physical health.
Just For Today
A gentle way to shift towards your still point is by releasing attachment to future worries. Instead of letting the uncertainty of what lies ahead consume your thoughts, cultivate a sense of awareness and presence in the moment. The Reiki principles of “Just for today” offer us a valuable path toward our inner still point, reminding us that each day is an opportunity to let go of lingering anxieties. By focusing on living fully in the present, we can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and a sense of safety, allowing the noise of the outside world to fade away. This practice not only enhances our mental well-being but also opens the door to deeper spiritual connections, guiding us gently to the center of our being.
Pause to discover the still point
In this meditation, we will gently shift our awareness to the present moment, allowing for a more consciously lived day. With the five Reiki Principles, we can set ourselves free to experience the suchness of each day without worrying about the future or being caught by the past—a great way to start your day, or recenter throughout your day.
Thank you so much for taking the time to join me for this Sunday Softening; your presence is truly appreciated. Namaste.
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