daily hope
Loosening Your Grip
9 minutes · Audio access options are available in the app
Related Scripture: Psalm 55:22a (recording quotes MSG). The linked Bible reader uses the World English Bible.
Meditation transcript
Transcript of the recording. Scripture translation labels describe the translation quoted in the audio.
0:00Letting go is simple to say, but hard to do.
0:05It means to release yourself from anything that keeps you from having peace.
0:12It could be that you're holding on too tightly to hopes or desires.
0:18It could be fears, insecurities, or expectations.
0:24Whatever it is, try to loosen your grip on these things, and accept life as it is.
0:32When you do this, you move closer to peace.
0:38Okay.
0:39Let's go ahead and get started by getting comfortable in your chair.
0:46And when you're ready, take a few nice, deep breaths, and allow your eyes to slowly close.
1:03Now take a moment to consider this verse: Pile your troubles on God's shoulders.
1:13He will carry your load.
1:22And again: Pile your troubles on God's shoulders.
1:28He'll carry your load.
1:45When it feels natural, let's take a nice big breath.
1:57With each breath, allow the body to become softer and more relaxed, almost like a wave of relaxation washing over the body.
2:21The breath fills up the body, and then it gives way to that natural relaxation that's right under the surface.
2:43Now, let's turn our awareness to how the body feels.
2:55Just examining the body with an easy curiosity.
3:06Allow your shoulders to relax and fall away from the ears.
3:16Relax your arms and allow your hands to open and let go.
3:27Allow your temples and face to relax.
3:37Let the throat and the neck soften.
3:45Allow your breath to deepen as your awareness rests deeper.
3:55Just relaxing and releasing.
4:06You are here, and everything is okay.
4:12God is with you.
4:25And now, for a moment or two, let go of any focus and allow yourself to simply be.
4:51Gently bring your awareness to any sensations you're feeling.
5:02Just noticing the sensations on the body.
5:18Maybe it's the air on the skin, or the weight of the body in the chair.
5:31Just noticing and welcoming these sensations as part of the meditation.
5:47Notice the rise and the fall of the chest as you breathe.
6:07Follow the breath and notice how it changes your body.
6:16The inhales, expanding the body and filling it up with life.
6:25And the exhales, relaxing the body, letting go.
6:43Follow the breath as it comes in through the nose and then goes back out through the mouth.
7:05You don't have to do anything.
7:09It's natural and effortless.
7:14Your body knows how to relax.
7:20You are simply unearthing the calm that was already there.
7:33This is a safe place of love and deep rest.
7:56Allow your mind to take refuge in God.
8:15Take this verse with you.
8:19Pile your troubles on God's shoulders.
8:23He'll carry your load.
8:38Gently bring your awareness back to the body, and when you feel ready, slowly open your eyes and take a nice deep breath.
8:54Sit back and relax for a moment.
8:58How do you feel?
9:02I hope you feel a little better.
9:05We'll see you next time with hope, mindfulness, and prayer.