Priscilla Wannamaker

Opening Your Heart Ritual
What would it take to carry the feeling of “being in love” with you throughout each moment of planning your wedding, communicating with family, and into your marriage?
I find that the more I am relaxed and calm, then the more I’m available to connect deeply with people. What if you created your own meditative wedding ritual—one that would be a gift of ease and heart opening relaxation? Take a Breather!

Directions:
Find a quiet, comfy spot where you won’t be disturbed by phones or pagers; let go of your “to do” list. Let the people in your world know that you are out for a short “refreshment!” (A refreshment for your spirit!)

Then get comfortable; sitting or lying down. Close your eyes, relax, start taking deep, slow breaths. (I suggest breathing in and out of your mouth for this exercise.) Feel your breath lifting your chest. Put your attention inward to that peaceful, intimate place where rituals are designed to take us.

To support you in keeping your attention on your breath and not get distracted by your busy mind, count each breath. Count each slow inhale (one) and long exhale (two), inhale (three) and exhale (four) and continue slowly in this way until you get to 30. If you lose count or forget your place, then just start over until you get to thirty.

You are not in competition with anyone; if there is a “game” here, it is to see how more relaxed you can be, not how fast you can count to 30! Enjoy this refreshment….and feel your heart open.

Begin:
Now close your eyes, relax, and begin counting your slow, easy breaths.

(Print out this page for easy reference!)