Take a few deep breathes

Take a few breaths and imagine yourself, barefoot, at the edge of the lake in the picture , or your favourite lake. Close your eyes and breathe in the smell of the lake; misty, dewy and fragrant. Feel the trees, the plants and the animals all around you, lending you their strength and stillness. Take a step forward and put your feet in the lake, feeling the cool, crisp, invigorating water all around your feet. You might decide that you want to keep walking and eventually swim, or you may contemplate your reflection in the lake, asking it what you need right now, using it as a window to your higher self. Whatever feels right to you. If you are swimming you could dive down into the surprisingly clear water, feeling young and free and energized. Amazed at how long you can hold your breath for, or maybe finding that you can breathe under this water, you swim deeper and deeper, feeling completely safe and secure. Down at the bottom of the lake, there is a message written in the sand, just for you. As you get closer you can read it as the sun beams right down into the water. What is your message? Send a blessing to the lake, and gratitude for the message, and begin to leisurely swim back up to the surface. As you swim up to the surface, you realize how much lighter you feel, for with each kick and each stroke, you shed some of the stress and worry that has been weighing you down lately. All transmuted into the lake, in exchange for this new lightness of being. You break through the surface feeling like a completely new person. Revitalized, replenished, capable, strong and liberated. As you reach the shore, you know that this lake is always here for you, always willing to assist you to process any of the emotions that feel heavy or dense. Looking back at the lake, you lift your palms to the sky and take a few more long, slow, deep breaths. Knowing in your heart that this you are transformed.

Smiling. From the inside, out.

Advertisement