As we go through our everyday lives, we don’t think much about this business of giving and getting. Even without consciously considering them, we have tight, unspoken rules that dictate what we give to others and what we expect in return.

Giving and receiving are closely aligned with power. If I give something to you, you are now in my debt; we both know that. What I have given, how much it is worth, whether you are able to return something of similar value…all play a part in how much power I accrue as the giver of the gift. The classic example is of a parent or spouse who gives gifts of great material value and in return expects to control the receiver.

Just as in giving, there is also power in receiving. Do I receive graciously, with sincere gratitude, or do I make it clear this gift is of little or insufficient significance? Do I even bother to provide a signal of thanks? The refusal to receive graciously is a refusal to participate in the relationship. It is, in essence, setting oneself above the other.

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Meditation: Sandra Egli

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Begin with settling yourself comfortably with your eyes closed and your feet flat on the floor.

Turn your attention inward, to the inner space of your body. Notice yourself, how you are in this moment, whether calm or anxious, agitated or relaxed. There is nothing to do, just notice.

Now turn your mind’s eye to your breathing. As you inhale, watch the air as it enters your nostrils. As you exhale, observe the air as it leaves your body.

There is no need to change your breath or attempt to control it in any way. Just continue with your natural pattern of breathing in, breathing out.

If you like, you can follow your breath into your lungs and watch your lungs expand, then deflate.

There is a pause between the inhale and exhale of the breath. Notice the pause.

And continue breathing in and out…

(2 minutes of music)

Breathe the universe in and breathe the universe out. As though the whole world is your creation and you the glass blower. Creating as you breathe. Giving birth to the shape of the world.

As you breathe the universe, the universe is breathing you. Co-creative spirits of one another…

(silence with music for 2-3 minutes)

When you are ready, let your attention return to the room and your own body/self. Gradually open your eyes, look at your surroundings, stretch, and return to everyday consciousness.

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Meditation: Sandra Egli
Music: Torey Ronhovde

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Begin sitting comfortably with your eyes closed and your feet on the floor.

Now focus your attention at a single point on the top of your head. Take all of your sensory awareness to that spot.

Now slowly, like a pearl in thick liquid, let your attention drop slowly through the bone of your skull,
Through the gray matter of your brain,
Behind your eyes,
Into the back of your mouth at the top of your throat.

Stay for a moment at the top of your throat. You can swallow, or clear your throat. Notice the sensations.

Now, with each exhale, let your attention drop a bit further into your body. Slide down the throat,
Past your lungs,
And into your heart.

Rest for a bit in your heart. Notice the beating that moves blood through your veins.

As you exhale, slide down into your solar plexus,

Then into your lower belly and pelvis. Notice the bones here. They form the base for your body.

Now slide through to the top of your legs. Travel down the long bones at the top of your legs….

When you reach your kneecaps, slip around the backside of the caps.

Slide further down the bones in the lower portion of your legs, to your heels….

At your heels, sense the many tiny bones that form your heels. Move slowly along the soles of your feet to your toes….

Curl around your toes and rest on your toenails. Notice how the nail is attached to the toe.

…..Take a breath or two and now scan your entire body. Notice what hurts, or itches, or tickles. Notice muscles that may be tense. Notice your stomach, is it empty or full?

There is nothing to do, nothing to change. Just notice…..

………
Now, let your awareness expand beyond your physical sensations. Include your feelings and emotions, whatever they may be in this moment.

Are you happy or sad? Perhaps angry, or simply at peace with the relaxation you feel. Whatever emotions you notice, what happened to bring those feelings into your awareness? Again, there is nothing to do. Just notice the origination point for whatever you feel.

Finally, take a couple of deep breaths and slowly let yourself come back to the room. When you are ready, you can return peacefully to your day…”