Meditation: Meeting Your 80-Year-Old Self

Preparation

Find a quiet, comfortable space. Sit or lie down, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths. With each exhale, feel yourself relaxing more deeply, grounding in the present moment.

Journey to Meet Your Future Self

Visualize a pathway unfolding before you, leading through a tranquil landscape. Each step brings a sense of peace and expectancy. Observe the rich details around you—the softness underfoot, the gentle touch of the breeze, the calming natural sounds.

Ahead lies a cozy, welcoming space. As you draw nearer, you realize your 80-year-old self is there, waiting with a warm, knowing smile.

Conversation with Your Future Self

Your future self greets you, their eyes reflecting wisdom and kindness. Take a moment to notice their appearance—their attire, expressions, and the aura of calmness and fulfillment they radiate. You may also notice what they are wearing, and even details of the space around you. The colors of the walls. The texture of the furniture. Aromas from the kitchen….art on the wall. Take a moment to take it all in.

They invite you to sit, and you engage in a heartfelt conversation. Listen as they share insights from a life well-lived. You may even a question or perhaps seek advice. Perhaps they share some sage advice or reassurance like:

Does your yoga teacher ask you to set an intention at the beginning of class? Here’s a thoughtful way to consider what intentions may be helpful to you in class and beyond. In yoga we call these special intentions Sankalpa,

The Sanskrit term "Sankalpa" (संकल्प) can be translated to mean "intention," "will," "purpose," or "determination." It refers to a heartfelt desire or a solemn vow that aligns with one's highest truth and is often used in the context of setting a deep, spiritual intention or resolution.

Sankalpa (संकल्प) is more than an intention; it's a sacred vow, a commitment to align your life with the deepest desires of your heart. It’s about embracing who you are and nurturing who you are becoming, all with the loving embrace of self-compassion and the empowering spirit of self-belief. 🌷

Here's how you can craft a Sankalpa that resonates with the symphony of your soul……

STEP 1: CULTIVATE A SPACE OF SERENITY

Find a quiet corner where you can be with your thoughts. Let it be a space where you can feel safe, supported, and free to explore the depths of your inner world. Light a candle or incense to signify the start of this sacred practice. 🕯️

STEP 2: CONNECT WITH YOUR INNER WISDOM

Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take a few deep, nourishing breaths. Feel each breath grounding you, connecting you to the present, and opening the doors to your inner sanctuary. Place a hand over your heart as a reminder that this journey is led by the heart's wisdom, not the mind's noise. 💖

A sacred space is more than just a physical spot in your home. It's a sanctuary for your soul, a place where the hustle of life fades into the background, allowing you to center yourself in the present moment. Every time you walk by or gaze upon your sacred space, it invites you to take a breath, to drop the weight of your thoughts, and to honor the sacredness of 'now'.

Let's dive into this Wheel of Life, a helpful tool to guide to a more fulfilled, balanced you. 

The Wheel of Life encourages introspection and provides a visual snapshot of one's current life situation, making it a starting point for setting meaningful goals and creating action plans for positive change.

To do this exercise you can print out this “wheel” , use a writing tablet or even recreate it in your journal to keep it close by.

When you complete the Wheel of Life exercise you’ll have an illustration of areas of strength and accomplishment, as well as areas that might require more attention or improvement in your life. The goal is not necessarily to score tens in all life areas but to find a harmonious balance that aligns with one's values and personal objectives.

Each of us has the same 168 hours in a week, a treasure trove of time waiting to be mindfully allocated.

Mapping out your 168 hours means looking at your days and weeks holistically and asking yourself: How can I use my time in a way that aligns with my deepest values and goals?