Meditation for New Beginnings

I used this meditation guide when I started moving in to my new apartment in Bangkok. Like all the meditation guides I’ve posted so far, the imagery this guide asks you to visualize is very easy to recreate. I also like the symbolism of letting something grow in your mind’s perfect garden.

Welcome to The Opal Garden. We are about to embark on a blissful journey of new beginnings where it is safe, peaceful, and serene. On this journey, we will venture deep within our heart and greet our pure, divine light. Take a moment to get comfortable. Let your mind take a vacation from its everyday concerns, and take a long, slow, deep breath; and exhale softly, comfortably, and relax.

Now take a moment to allow a gentle, radiant, golden light to enter into your heart. Allow your heart to open and absorb this radiant light. Let it connect to the core of your true and purest self. Visualize or imagine this beautiful golden light penetrating and purifying every cell of your being. With every breath, breathe in this golden light; and exhale, releasing the old; softly, comfortably, and relax… letting go, sinking deeper and deeper into a comfortable state of relaxation. Allow the rhythm of your breath to continue naturally. This journey of blissful beginnings is immensely powerful.

Let yourself be carried to a beautiful, peaceful place. Visualize or imagine now a beautiful garden landscape. Picture your favorite image of a garden that inspires and soothes you. This garden landscape can be a memory or a photograph that once captivated you, or perhaps this garden landscape arises from pure fantasy. Just be present in your garden and become aware of its extraordinary beauty. Become aware of every aspect of this place. Notice the vivid color illuminating life like you’ve never before imagined. This garden is your place. It is your core being. Allow it to reflect your perfect essence.

From here, we find our bliss in all of nature. It is here where your sanctuary nourishes and purifies every level of your being. Somewhere within your garden you will come across a crystal clear stream of water. Within your reach, there is a cauldron with your name on it. Reach for it now. Fill the cauldron with this crystal clear stream of water and let it quench your thirst. Let this water purify and cleanse your mind, body, and soul, allowing for peace, harmony, and serenity. Allow this pure, sweet-tasting water to illuminate and refresh every cell of your being, washing away any and all hesitation, and restoring balance in your life.

This is a powerful and transcending exercise that reinforces a feeling of peace each and every time you partake in this refreshing drink. Let your attention now take in the luxurious experience of your garden landscape. Take a look around. You are empowered to allow this garden to become a reflection of who you are. Every blade of grass, every chirp of a bird, and every flutter of a butterfly is a reflection of you. Notice the environment shifting as your mind illuminates with life and spirit. Notice how this ecosystem within your garden is alive and in perfect harmony. Every element within your garden is in perfect balance and harmony. It is in tune to your own nature.

If you find that someone else is in your garden, greet them with a smile and say hello, and continue on your way. You are safe. If there’s any discomfort here in your garden, simply smile and say hello. It cannot harm you. There is no need to struggle here. You are free and completely safe. Take a moment now to enjoy your blissful surroundings.

Allow your true aspirations to unfold. Grant yourself permission to create within your landscape your most cherished goals. Consider for a moment: what is your most cherished goal? Now imagine that you have already reached that goal. Is your goal realistic? Is it tangible? What does that feel like? How has it changed your life?

Grant yourself permission to make this image a reality. Find a special spot within your garden to prepare for your goal. For now, this special place within your garden will be the focus of your creativity. Visualize or imagine what you want to create within this garden. This creation will represent your most cherished goal. Here you may plant the seeds of your future.

There is much to explore here in your garden landscape. Take a few moments to contemplate your entire garden landscape. It is here that you create a new beginning. Consider building bridges over troubled waters. Get acquainted with the animals that freely roam within your landscape. They may turn out to be your guides. Perhaps you may want to splash about in a pond of opulescent waters. Take a few moments now to feel the magnificence of nature.

Relax now, and find a cool, shady tree to sit under. A delicate white dove listens nearby.

I now invite harmony into my life and accept nature’s presence to reflect back at me. I greet the natural pace of my environment and appreciate its value. Here in my garden, I transcend the old and give thanks for the growth it provided. I am beginning anew. I allow my most cherished goal to be realized. I have much to contribute in this world and agree to let this garden reflect back at me. All is well in my heart, mind, body, and soul. I have nothing to worry about.

I am filled with forgiveness and compassion for myself and others. I am innocent and so are they. I am filled with passion and let my creative self flow. I have permission to love and be loved. I am filled with love and am love from head to toe. I am released from self-doubt. I am beginning anew with gratitude, grace, and purpose. I cannot resist my own happiness. I am realistic in my pursuits. I am allowed to begin anew.

I have nothing to worry about. I recognize that my concerns are being resolved. I am present and awake. I am radiant and in touch with my true, natural self. I am a powerful being. I now channel my power to transform my thoughts, feelings, and actions for the good of all. I am allowing what others perceive as miracles in my life.

The dove has heard these words, and carries them off high into the sky. I trust you enjoyed your journey. If you are ready, you may open your eyes slowly and become aware of where you are presently sitting. Give yourself a moment to think about your experience. We recommend that you write your thoughts and experiences down in a journal. You will notice dramatic changes in your life as you continue to meditate. The daily dose of the garden experience will reinforce your sense of well being.