If energy and matter regenerate infinitely, why am I so tired?
Trying to create energy out of nothing right now? If you’re feeling flattened or burnt out, that may be the case. It’s been a long year. That feeling of exhaustion comes from drawing energy from an empty well that isn’t being replenished. I feel it too. I’m about to do one of my favorite nature meditations that draws energy back into myself, and I thought I’d share it with you, too!
So, consider yourself invited on a trip to the deepest of creative wells, one that you can enter through your active imagination. The 7 Stairs Guided Meditation fills up the energy reserves you need to create the goodness you seek in the world. I hope you find the experience healing, easy, and enjoyable.
7 stairs guided meditation (audio version)
Step 1
Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down where you won’t be disturbed for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2
Allow your mind and body to settle in place, feeling all the spots of your body that connect with the surface you’re resting upon. Breathe in and out, slowly and evenly, pausing at the top of your inhale and at the bottom of your exhale. Continue this mindful breathing for a few more cycles.
Step 3
As you take your next inhale, imagine a path in nature where you feel safe and welcome. Exhale and start to move along this path.
Step 4
Continue further along the path, allowing your movements to be as free and fluid as you like. This path feels easy and peaceful. Notice the scene that emerges around you, without managing anything. Just allow it to emerge and be in it.
Step 5
On your left, you notice some stairs going down. Stop at the top step and look down to the other steps. There are 7 steps.
Step 6
Take one step down and pause. Look around and notice what you notice. Feel any emotions or sensations in your body. Take another step down when you feel ready, and then pause to notice what you notice.
Step 7
Continue to breathe easily, noticing any feelings or images that come to you. If you don’t see anything, that’s fine. Just notice your thoughts and feelings. Move in this slow and gentle way down to the next step, then the next, and the next until you’re standing at the bottom of the stairs.
Step 8
Turn to look up at the 7 stairs that you just came down. Turn again to see the platform that you’re standing on, and an archway in front of you. It’s flooded with a beautiful light that draws you closer. Feel the quality of the light, and how it makes you feel safe and warm. It feels familiar.
Step 9
Walk through the archway and feel the light all around you. Look at your arms and legs, your entire body bathed in this warm, peaceful light. This light is you. You see no difference between you and this light now. Feel the vibration and relax into it. Nothing to do, nowhere to be. Bathe in this warm, peaceful light for as long as you wish.
Step 10
When you feel ready, step back through the archway onto the platform and see the 7 stairs in front of you. Invite the part of your mind that makes assessments and decisions to join you now.
Step 11
Scan your body and your mind for any questions or messages that might emerge. Allow any bit into your awareness. It doesn’t have to make sense or be complete. Just take note of it and carry it with you on your return.
Step 12
Take the first step up the stairs and pause, just as before, noticing what you see and feel. Move mindfully in this way up the stairs, pausing at each step before taking the next.
Step 13
At the top of the stairs, turn to look back down. Turn to face the path and follow it back the way you came.
Step 14
When you come to the starting point, take another few slow and steady breaths, and then gently open your eyes.
Step 15
Give yourself as much time as you need to transition back to the place you’re in, and to the rest of your day. Consider journaling about your experience.
To experience this practice and many others with soothing audio and nature videos, join our free course, Nature + Mental health. Enjoy!