In this meditation, I invite you into deep rest, a way of settling that is neither full sleep nor full activity.
We begin by gathering ourselves from the places the mind has travelled, allowing attention to return gently to the present moment. The breath becomes a quiet guide. As in sleep, the rhythm of breathing softens, yet we remain awake and aware, resting consciously rather than drifting away.
This is a practice of restful meditation: standing back from thoughts and feelings, observing them as we might watch a river flow by. There is no need to step into the water. For now, we rest on the bank, grounded, still and present.
A simple word, rest, is repeated softly, inviting the body to relax and settle. From here, gratitude arises naturally for the gift of this time and this pause.
This daily guided meditation offers a moment of calm, especially supportive if you are winding down before sleep, helping you release effort, settle the nervous system, and rest deeply while remaining aware.
00:00 – Welcome back
01:25 – The bell
02:13 – Gathering the scattered mind
02:45 – Resting in the present moment
02:59 – The breath as a doorway to rest
03:05 – Breathing and sleep
03:25 – A third way: restful meditation
03:53 – Meeting the breath again
04:45 – Repeating the word “rest”
05:35 – The body softening
05:45 – Still, grounded awareness
06:15 – Granting ourselves this rest
06:45 – Watching thoughts like a river
09:55 – Stepping onto the bank
10:45 – Gratitude
10:53 – Closing bell