NaPoWriMo 2019 – Poem #1

Stress Relief: How to Meditate

Sit in a comfortable position
On the floor

Like a lotus?

If that hurts
Try a bolster

Or maybe a chair?

Or lie flat
Like a corpse

Ah…better.

Now close your eyes
If it’s too bright
Dim the lights
But not too dark
Lest you fall asleep

I could actually use a nap.

Meditation is about relaxation
Not sleep

Right, relaxation here we go.

Focus on breathing
Slowly in and out
Deep belly breathing

My lungs are in my chest, not my stomach.

Don’t force it
Breathing should come naturally

Like breathing into my belly?

Let the breath flow up
From the belly into the chest
But fill the belly first!

Yeah, yeah…all about the belly.

Open the chest
Slow and steady
Count if it helps

How much longer before I feel relaxed?

4-in, hold for 2, 6-out, hold for 4
Don’t force it

Milk, eggs, bananas, cereal…

Let errant thoughts go and breathe.

Maybe some chicken for dinner?

Try to focus on your breathing
Release any tension

Ouch!

Breathe into those muscles
Let them melt

That twinge in my neck is getting worse. Maybe I should call the chiropractor…

Let all of your worries melt away
As you breathe
Keep relaxing, bringing attention
back to any areas of tension

Ouch. Ouch. Ouch.

Drop those shoulders
Let the head float up
Releasing tension from the neck

Shit! I forgot to file my taxes.

Let those distractions
Just float away

“Meow?”
And…I forgot to feed the cat first.

Thoughts floating away
like fluffy little–

“Meeeeooowww!”
…annoying furballs?

–white clouds

The cat can wait five more minutes.
“MOWRRRR!!”

Breathe. Focus.

Is something vibrating?
My phone…mom.
Of course.
She always has the worst timing.

Don’t let distractions get in the way.
Breath. Relax. Focus.

Zzzzzt. “MAWRRR!” Zzzzzt.

But, if it’s important…

“Hey, Mom.”

Breathe.

“No, it’s fine.”

Relax.

“Of course I’m not too busy.”

You feel better already.

NOTE: This poem is inspired by the NaPoWriMo.net prompt for Day #1 – provide the readers with instructions.