daily hope
The Gift of Stillness
9 minutes · Audio access options are available in the app
Related Scripture: Psalm 46:10a (recording quotes NIV). 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.
0:01The act of slowing down and just being present can take some getting used to.
0:07Our minds are so used to being in a hyper state of activity.
0:13It can initially be uncomfortable to sit in silence and just be.
0:21Stillness and silence are not our normal modes of existence, but stick with it.
0:30You will come to find renewal and refreshment for your soul.
0:38When you feel ready, go ahead and get comfortable in your position, really allowing the body to relax.
0:51And when you're ready, let your eyes slowly close.
1:02Take a moment to consider this verse.
1:08"Be still and know that I am God." And again, "Be still and know that I am God." Now, bring your attention to the way the breath feels, and take
1:49a few deep breaths.
2:01Gently expand the chest on the inhale, and then let the body soften on the exhale.
2:21With each breath, there's new life entering the body.
2:37As you breathe, begin to soften the body, starting at the top of the head.
2:51Allow the shoulders to fall away from the ears.
3:03Feel gravity push the body down into the chair.
3:15Now, gently bring your awareness to the space around the body.
3:29Feel the air on the skin.
3:37Notice the temperature of the air.
3:51And now, gently move your awareness to the heartbeat.
4:06Allow the rhythm of the heartbeat to relax the body.
4:18Let your awareness rest deeper in the presence of God.
4:29Simply let go.
4:41Bring your attention to any tightness in the body.
4:54Just noticing how the body feels.
5:11Start by relaxing the hands, letting go of any tension in the hands.
5:31Allow the arms to totally relax, letting go at the elbows and the wrists.
5:50Let the shoulders fall away from the ears.
6:03Let the legs become heavy.
6:15Allow the muscles to completely let go.
6:29Let your body totally relax and release.
6:47And now, if it feels comfortable, take a big deep breath, letting the air fill up the body.
7:10Feel the chest rise on the inhale, and fall on the exhale.
7:31Notice how the breath changes the way the body feels.
7:46And now, for a moment or two, let go of any focus, and just allow yourself to be.
8:11Take this verse with you, "Be still, and know that I am God." Softly, begin to bring your awareness back to the body, back to that feeling of weight in
8:42the body.
8:44And when you're ready, slowly open your eyes and take a big deep breath in.
8:53Take a moment to check in and notice how you feel.
8:59I hope you feel a little more present.
9:03We'll see you again tomorrow for another day of hope.
9:08Take care.