daily hope
Where You Hold Stress
10 minutes · Audio access options are available in the app
Related Scripture: Psalm 34:8a (recording quotes NLT). 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.
0:01It's common to hold stress in the body.
0:07Often, it's in your neck or your stomach, but you're probably holding stress somewhere.
0:18This tension can become so common that we don't even notice how tight our bodies have become.
0:31Today, as you prepare to meditate, focus on totally relaxing your body from your head down to your toes.
0:46Just simply let go.
0:56Okay, let's begin by getting comfortable and taking a few deep breaths.
1:08As you begin to feel your body releasing, allow your eyes to slowly close.
1:20Now, take a moment to consider this verse.
1:27"Taste and see that the Lord is good." And again, "Taste and see that the Lord is good." Let's begin to take note of how the body is feeling, not
2:07really thinking too much about it, just letting go of those feelings of tightness and tension.
2:25When it feels comfortable, take a few deep breaths.
2:42In through the nose and out through the mouth.
2:56Deep breath in, expanding the body and filling the chest up.
3:05And exhale, feeling the chest fall and let go.
3:20Take another big, deep breath in, and control the exhale, letting it take twice as long as the inhale.
3:37With each breath, allow the tension to melt away from the body.
3:56Now, allow your breath to take up a natural rhythm.
4:06Let the gentle sound of your breathing relax your mind.
4:24There is no way to do this wrong, just an easy, effortless awareness.
4:39Letting go.
4:58Now, bring your attention to the position of the body.
5:06Make sure you can breathe in an open and natural way.
5:24Allow the chest to open and take a few nice, deep breaths.
5:36Let the breath fill the body up with life.
5:52With each breath, you're bringing your awareness into this moment.
6:10Relax, and allow God to speak to you in the way that He wants.
6:26Let your thoughts go, and allow your awareness to rest in this moment.
6:48If your thoughts wander off, that's okay.
6:54It's natural for the thoughts to drift.
7:13(pause of 15 seconds) As best you can, leave those thoughts right where they are, and come back to that feeling of your body.
7:33Our feelings and emotions can distract us from the natural calm of God's love.
7:48There isn't anything to discover.
7:52It's always been there.
8:07This is a safe place.
8:10God loves you.
8:25(pause of 13 seconds) Take this verse with you, "Taste and see that the Lord is good." Gently bring your awareness back to the feeling of your breath.
8:55Listen to the sound of your breathing.
9:00And when you're ready, slowly open your eyes and take another deep breath in.
9:09Give yourself a stretch, and sit back and relax.
9:14Remember to take a moment to check in, and notice how you feel.
9:22I hope you feel better.
9:25Take care.
9:27And we'll see you again tomorrow, with hope, mindfulness, and prayer.