daily hope
Becoming Your Better Self
10 minutes · Audio access options are available in the app
Related Scripture: John 15:5a (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.
0:00Stories of virtue and love awaken our better half.
0:05They touch that part of us that wants to be better.
0:10These stories give us a vision of who and what we can become.
0:17As we meditate on the presence of God, think about the character and nature of Jesus.
0:25He is our model.
0:28We become our better selves when we love as he loves.
0:34Remind yourself of that as you settle into this meditation.
0:41Okay.
0:42Let's go ahead and get started by getting comfortable in your chair.
0:51And when you're ready, take a few nice deep breaths, and allow your eyes to slowly close.
1:07As your body begins to settle, take a moment to consider this verse: "I am the vine and you are the branches.
1:20If you stay joined to me and I to you, you will produce plenty of fruit." And again, "I am the vine and you are the branches.
1:42If you stay joined to me and I to you, you will produce plenty of fruit." When it feels comfortable, go ahead and take a few deep breaths in.
2:15Nice and easy.
2:24Let the breaths settle and become natural.
2:29And bring your attention to the space in the room.
2:37Not thinking too hard about it, just becoming aware of your body and your surroundings.
2:56Notice the air on the skin.
3:04Feel the chair beneath you.
3:14Pay attention to the position of your body.
3:18Make sure that you're comfortable.
3:32Notice the state of your mind.
3:36Does the mind feel calm?
3:41Does it feel restless?
3:44Both are okay.
3:53Just a simple, easy noticing.
4:06Just noticing the space, almost like you're an observer.
4:20Notice the gentle sound of your breath coming in and going out.
4:33Deepening the inhales and extending the exhales, letting the body rest.
4:54Just relax.
5:09Let's begin to take note of how the body is feeling.
5:23Not really thinking too much about it, just letting go of those feelings of tightness and tension.
5:50When it feels comfortable, take a few deep breaths.
6:11In through the nose and out through the mouth.
6:25Deep breath in, expanding the body and filling the chest up.
6:35And exhale, feeling the chest fall and let go.
6:53Take another big deep breath in, and control the exhale, letting it take twice as long as the inhale.
7:11With each breath, allow the tension to melt away from the body.
7:30Now, allow your breath to take up a natural rhythm.
7:40Let the gentle sound of your breathing relax your mind.
8:02There is no way to do this wrong, just an easy effortless awareness.
8:17Letting go.
8:33Take this verse with you, "I am the vine and you are the branches.
8:43If you stay joined to me and I to you, you will produce plenty of fruit." Gently bring your awareness back to the body, and when you feel ready, slowly
9:11open your eyes and take a nice deep breath.
9:17Sit back and relax for a moment.
9:21How do you feel?
9:25I hope you feel a little better.
9:28We'll see you next time with hope, mindfulness, and prayer.