daily hope
Beyond Self-Centered
9 minutes · Audio access options are available in the app
Related Scripture: Psalm 116:7 (recording quotes ERV). 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.
0:00By nature, we are self-centered.
0:04Even our prayers to God often sound like one-way conversations.
0:10The way to break out of this self-centered habit is to consciously take the time to withdraw ourselves from the pace and noise of life.
0:21This is how we begin to make space to experience God.
0:26This is how we become aware of His presence.
0:33Let's begin by noticing the weight of the body, allowing the body to relax into the chair.
0:49And as the body begins to relax, allow your eyes to close.
1:00Take a moment to consider this verse, "My soul, relax, the Lord is caring for you." And again, "My soul, relax, the Lord is caring for you." With a gradual
1:42ease, take a nice big breath.
1:50Be intentional with the breath.
1:57Big, deep inhales, and nice, long exhales.
2:09Relax, and settle into your body.
2:17With each breath, allow the muscles to soften and let go.
2:32Feel that sense of gravity and weight in the body.
2:41You're just uncovering the natural calm that's always accessible through God.
2:59Now, with ease, bring your awareness to the sounds in the room.
3:13Just listening to the sounds with an easy curiosity.
3:22Not placing judgment on the sounds, just noticing the sounds and accepting them as part of this practice.
3:45If the thoughts take you away, it's okay.
3:50When you notice the thoughts, gently bring your awareness back to the sounds.
4:09Just noticing and listening.
4:26Now, for a moment or two, let your awareness go where it wants to go.
4:52Now, bring your attention to the way it feels when you breathe.
5:12Feel the stomach and the chest rise with each inhale.
5:23And feel the body relax with each exhale.
5:47In through the nose.
5:50Feel the body expand, and then slowly exhale.
6:15Let the breath be natural.
6:19Let the breath naturally relax the body.
6:39Allow the face and the neck to soften.
6:59Allow the forehead to relax and the shoulders to fall away from the ears.
7:19Relax the body and allow the chair to hold the body up.
7:36Just relaxing and letting the body unwind.
7:55Simply let go.
8:11Take this verse with you, "My soul, relax.
8:18The Lord is caring for you." When it feels easy, bring your attention back to the feeling of the breath.
8:42Take a few more deep breaths and slowly allow your eyes to open.
8:50Notice how the breath changes the way you feel.
8:55I hope you feel a little more relaxed.
8:59We'll see you again tomorrow.
9:02Take care of yourself.