I invite you to take a deep breath. Whenever you feel ready, close your eyes.
No, don’t rush on my account. I’ll just be over here.
Waiting.
Inhale deeply. Then exhale completely.
Imagine yourself feeling more calm, peaceful, and focused.
Imagine yourself feeling like you did when you dated Oliver.
You two seemed so happy when you were together.
I know he’s married now.
I’m just offering a point of reference.
Okay, I’ll drop it.
Feel yourself drifting into a state of deep relaxation.
Allow your muscles to soften and release.
If you feel yourself holding tension in any part of your body, I invite you to draw your attention to that place.
Concentrate on the sensation. How does it feel?
How long has it been hurting?
Have you seen a doctor?
I invite you to consider seeing a doctor.
Allow your focus to shift upwards to your face. Are you holding tension in your jaw?
If so, consider blaming it on your father. TMJ runs on his side of the family.
Inhale deeply. Then exhale completely.
Bring your awareness to the beat of your heart.
Meditate on this question: Are you mad at me?
I don’t know why I thought that.
Maybe it’s because you never respond to the memes I send you.
Allow your thoughts to drift back to right now.
Say to yourself: I am present.
Say to yourself: I am here.
I invite you to open your mind to the possibility of staying here longer.
Visualize what it would look like if you changed your return ticket and went back to the city on Tuesday instead.
Take a moment to reflect on the past. You haven’t been home in months.
Consider that it’s not every day your brother’s scream metal cover band gets an opportunity to headline a show in a condemned dive bar.
I’m not pressuring you.
I’m guiding you.
I’m helping you access your subconscious and uncover new ways of thinking.
I can see you clenching again.
Inhale deeply. Then exhale completely.
Whenever it feels right, I invite you to open your eyes.
Begin to bring your attention back to the room.
Did you notice I rearranged the furniture?
That couch used to be against that wall. And I moved the piano six inches to the left.
I’m surprised you didn’t notice. It really opens up the place.
Your father noticed.
Take one last deep breath.
I like to end these meditations with a positive affirmation to help guide you throughout your day.
Repeat after me: I will call my mother more.
Allow your attention to return to waking consciousness.
Slowly wiggle your fingers, then your toes. Observe how your mind and body feel.
Take your time. I invite you to remain in this relaxed state for as long as you want.
But consider that dinner will be on the table in two minutes.
And your brother needs the living room to practice.