Image: Steve West | Digital Vision | Getty Images

Breath Prayer

Breathing in: Guide me…
Breathing out: …Guard me

Reflection on Dealing with a Difficult Coworker

Take a few moments for yourself at the water cooler.
Drink a few sips of cool water as you drink in composure.
Invite deep, calming breaths to flow through your body.
Remember that there are times when change and compromise
may be necessary.
Feel gratitude for your ability to remain calm and composed.
Remind yourself that your relationship with this difficult coworker
is an I-Thou relationship, not an I-It.
Ask for a glimpse of cosmic patience,
the infinite ebb and flow of galaxies.
Ask for help from the Source of all patience for internal restraint,
the ability to step back, to reconsider.
As you finish your drink of cool, calming water,
patience and calm deepen your awareness,
penetrating your own shields and defenses
and allowing you to reach your deepest feelings of compassion.

From the Bible

Recall how the rocks in the wilderness
cracked open,
that you might drink your fill
as from the deep.
—Psalm 78

Image: Rob Goldman/Photodisc Collection/Getty Images

Breath Prayer

Breathing in: Guide me…
Breathing out: …Guard me

Reflection While Taking a  Shower

Allow the force of the water to massage your scalp.
Enjoy being naked, dressed in clouds of steam.
Breathe in the warm, moist air.
Close your eyes and see yourself in a rainforest.
Lush green leaves and plants caress and embrace your body.
You feel reborn in purity as you stand under a waterfall.
All your cells feel energized and strong
as the water cascades down your back.
Let yourself relax into these moments of cleansing renewal.
Open your hands, palms upward, and ask
for clarity and courage to face the day.
Trust the strength of your body,
newly refreshed and ready to carry you through the day.
As water is a source of life, so may you be a source of healing today.

From the Bible

Yes, streams came out of the rock,
and caused waters to flow down,
like rivers.
—Psalm 78

image: © istockphoto.com/Dave Herriman

Breath Prayer

Breathing in: Guide me…
Breathing out: …Guard me

Reflection While Driving to Work in the Morning

Notice the protection your car offers you
as you fasten your seat belt.
Appreciate the concern and care of those who designed and built the car you drive.
Choose a personal intention as you join other commuters on the road.
Maybe today you will be generous in yielding the right of way.
Maybe today you will consciously drive with kindness.
Notice the sound of the engine humming with strength and purpose.
Become aware of your breath powering the engine
of your internal organs.
Feel gratitude for the quickness of your reflexes,
the sharpness of your vision.
Let yourself feel protected by a power greater than you,
guiding you to make good choices and decisions as you drive today.
Imagine that there are angels driving in the cars around you
Protecting you and accompanying you on your way.
As you arrive at your destination, say thank you for a safe journey.

From the Bible

By roads you did not know
I will make you travel
Down highways unknown
I will protect you without fail
—Isaiah 42:16

Breath Prayer
Breathing in: Guide me…
Breathing out: …Guard me

Reflection While Taking a Break

Stand in front of the coffee machine (or tea kettle)
and deeply bring your shoulders up to your ears
in a delicious shrug to release tension.
Slowly prepare your warm drink with awareness of each action.
Be deliberate as you take your first sip,
allowing the tensions of the morning to slip away.
Close your eyes and see yourself in a favorite vacation spot.
Imagine this break will last for a very long time.
Invite a small smile to soften the tension in your face.
Maybe you can give yourself a few moments of silence.
Let yourself lean into the strength of an unnamed Source of goodness.
Ask for whatever strength you need to feel refreshed by these moments.
Allow yourself a deep, cleansing breath,
perhaps silently say the breath prayer: guide me…guard me…
as you leave your break and return to responsibility.

From the Bible

Blessed is the One who
Daily bears us up;
The comforter who leads us
To wholeness.
—Psalm 68

Breath Prayer
Breathing in: Guide me…
Breathing out: …Guard me

Reflection While Hand-Washing

Walk to the sink and tune out your surroundings.
Adjust the water to run strongly and at a warm temperature.
Concentrate on the feel of the water flowing over your hands.
Notice the regular movements of soaping and rinsing your hands.
Allow your mind to wander to any immediate sensory experiences.
Notice sounds outside the window, the colors in the room, the feel of the cool porcelain sink and tiles.
If your mind begins to think about the past or the future,
gently bring your attention back to the cool water flowing over your hands.
If unformed thoughts or worries come to mind,
gently come back to the routine activity of hand-washing.
Set an intention that you are washing stress away,
washing anxiety and tension off your body.
Appreciate the simple goodness of washing your hands.
Let yourself rest in an unknown Source of goodness,
that flows over you as gently as water.

From the Bible

I have called you by name,
You are mine…
You are precious in my sight,
And honored, and I love you
—Isaiah 43:1,4

Breath Prayer
Breathing in: Guide me…
Breathing out: Guard me…

Reflection

Hold the cup in your hands.
Feel its warmth.
Savor its scent.
Touch the sides and the bottom of the cup.
Run your fingers around the edge of the cup.
Close your eyes and imagine your spiritual boundaries.
Let yourself lean on an unnamed source of Goodness for a while.
Ask for whatever boundaries you need to protect your inner life.
Listen to your heart as you drink your coffee (tea/hot beverage).

From the Bible

I have called you by name,
You are mine…
You are precious in my sight,
And honored, and I love you
—Isaiah 43:1,

Breath Prayer

Breathing in: Guide me…
Breathing out: …Guard me

Reflection When a Patient Dies

Linger for a moment at the empty bed,
the room now suddenly strange.
Say goodbye, wish rest and peace
to departing spirit and soul.
Acknowledge that death is always personal.
Open your heart to your own personal losses,
allow their memories to wash over you.
Now is the time to be gentle with yourself.
Close your eyes, cry, sit quietly.
Let awareness flow through you,
comfort awaits you. Let it come.
Lean into a sense of Infinite comfort.
Welcome the shared companionship of those around you.
Your sense of loss does not isolate you.
Share the miracle of being human
Feel the embrace of the community of all
those who have suffered and lost.
Offer a shared sigh, feel the rhythm of release.

From the Bible

Holy One,
You care for me, I am content.
You lead me to still waters,
places of rest and renewal.
You guide me down the right path
to live a good life.
When I walk through a valley of deepest darkness
I fear no harm,
for you are with me.
Signs of your nearness
offer me support and comfort.
When faced with fear,
your love flows over me
and sustains me.
As I journey on, loving kindness finds me
each day of my life,
I come home to you.
—Psalm 23

Image: Indeed/Photodisc/Getty Images

Breathing in: Guide me…
Breathing out: …Guard me

Reflection to Encourage a Peaceful Rest

Light a candle by your bedside.
Cup your hands around the flames
and feel the warmth reach into your palms and fingers.
Imagine the heat spreading over your entire being.
Feel yourself embraced in light and warmth.
Invite deep, calming breaths to flow through your body.
Become aware of a moment of peace and comfort.
Feel yourself separating from the demons of the everyday world.
Welcome the flame of your candle as an angel of protection.
Invite feelings of safety and comfort.
Close your eyes for a moment and invite the light of the candle to
penetrate deep into your soul with calm reassurance.
Imagine angels of goodness and strength watching over you.
Ask for help from the Source of all
for release from the day’s stress, for peace
for the gift of deep rest.

From the Bible

You shelter me under your wings
I shall not fear
The shadows of the night
—Psalm 91

Breath Prayer
Breathing in: Guide me…
Breathing out: …Guard me

Reflection Before Calming a Difficult Patient

Pause for a few moments before entering the room
where a difficult patient waits for you.
Invite a deep, calming breath to flow through your body.
Remind yourself that patience means “one who endures.”
Repeat this to yourself, reassure yourself.
Trust your ability to remain calm and composed.
Carry this affirmation in your heart:
“I am one who endures.”
Remind yourself as you step into the room
that this patient deserves your patience.
Hold your arms in a relaxed way, release your shoulders.
Invite a compassionate smile to soften your face.
Promise yourself that, no matter the interaction,
you will not let your runaway emotions run away with you.
Lean into the infinite Patience of the universe.
Ask for help from the Source of all patience
for restraint and calm acceptance,
for the gift of composure.

From the Bible
As we withdraw our projections
Upon others,
Balance and harmony adorn us
—Psalm 106