5 Minute Meditation After Waking Up

To begin, you may still be close to the dream. Sit in bed, or nearby.

Whatever that looks like for you.

When you are ready, softly close your eyes.

With your eyes closed, take a moment to stay in the in-between.

First, simply noticing you are not asleep, and not yet performing.

The weight of gravity. The body still finishing its arrival.

What else do you notice in this slow threshold?

What is it like not to lunge at the day?

You are allowed to wake slowly in a world that prefers speed.

This threshold is a teacher. Stay for a few more breaths.

Do not slam the door on the night. Let the body finish arriving.

And letting the in-between be enough.

Continue now with your breath, as well as this softness.

Thank even a blankness left from rest.

What do you notice, still close to sleep, already here?

Just observe. Accept. The day can wait at the edge of the bed.

Allow the room around you. Light can enter without a startle.

As if waking were a crossing, not a switch.

There is nothing to ambush. There is this slow arrival.

If the mind jumps to the list, escort it back to the next breath.

Being connected to breath, body, and the last of the night.

You can enter waking without slamming the door.

Let attention travel back. Shoulders, fingers, toes — still unhurried.

Open your eyes. Put the feet down as a ceremony, not an ambush.