I remember a time when my mind was driving me completely bananas (well there has been more than one time!). I was in overdrive – busy over thinking and over analysing my thoughts, actions, and motivations. It got to the point where I had to sit in a cold bath to shock myself into quietness!

Have you ever had that kind of exhaustion from mind chatter?

On the other hand, there have been times when my mind has been brilliant, funny and insightful. I have witnessed it orchestrate and organize disparate pieces of information and coalesce them into delicious experiences of wholeness.

The mind is an ally; willing, creative, and always on. It is this sense of the mind always being “on” that has inspired me to posit the following meditation. It’s time to give your mind a little time off!

Imagine if you could pull back the focus on your mind, and tell it to take a break while you (your higher, self or the witness part of your consciousness) take care of things. By instructing the mind in this way, and reassuring it through your inner voice, your mind can be persuaded to step down.

Let’s try it.

Take a couple of deep breaths and close your eyes. Listen quietly to the inhalation and exhalation of your breath, allowing your awareness to deepen. Now ask your mind what gift it would like from you today to be nourished and switch off to unwind.

You may perceive a feeling, a color, an image or an object – whatever your mind wants. It could be a cool breeze or a glass of water.

Imagine this gift coming in from the universe and into your mind. Take a moment to allow the gift to nourish your mind, and feel it begin to release.

Permit your mind to expand and dissolve into the infinite energy of the universe. Encourage it to let go and be free.

Continue to breathe and allow your mind to have a holiday. Give your mind as long as you can, so that it can grow accustomed to not being switched on all the time.

Take another couple of deep breaths and open your eyes.

All parts of our being need to touch the infinite, to be nourished, and to free up more RAM for loving and living!