5 minute vacation

Introduction

One of the things that many of us enjoy anticipating is a vacation. A vacation that provides the opportunity to unwind, relax, and rejuvenate in a way that best suits us. Sometimes, we would like to have a vacation even though our next one may be weeks or months away. That’s where a 5-minute vacation comes in. In just 5-minutes you can unwind, relax and rejuvenate so that you are better prepared to deal with your day. When you are “jangly” and want to be “calm and centred”, find a quiet spot for 5 minutes (a washroom will do) and take a 5-minute vacation.

In this meditation, we ask that you imagine your favourite relaxing vacation spot. For some, that might mean lying on a beach feeling the warmth of the sun on your body and listening to the sounds of the waves breaking on the shore. For others, the location is a secluded mountain retreat where there is nothing but you and the great outdoors. You get the idea. Take a moment now and find out which of your favourite vacation spots comes into your consciousness. Use that location for the following meditation – an opportunity to unwind, relax and rejuvenate. Take a 5-minute vacation on us!

The 5-minute vacation meditation

First, pay attention to your breathing. Notice as you breathe in and as you breathe out. Gradually slow and deepen your breathing. As you breathe in, imagine that you are breathing in light. As you breathe out, imagine that you are breathing out anything that is not of the light – simply let it go as you exhale. Know that the angels and other beings of light will whisk it away to a place where it can do some good.

As you begin to unwind, imagine that you are in your favourite relaxing vacation location. Take a few moments to remember why this is a favourite spot for you. What do you see? What do you hear? What are you touching? What is touching you? What scents can you smell? What tastes can you savour? What do you feel? Imagine that you are experiencing this very special place in all its glory.

Open yourself to the full experience. Feel yourself relaxing and rejuvenating as you spend the next 2 or 3 minutes enjoying this special place.

When you are ready to return to ordinary consciousness, once again pay attention to your breathing. Notice as you breathe in and as you breathe out. Gradually become aware of your physical surroundings. When you are ready, take another deep breath, open your eyes (if you have had them closed) and stretch, ready to move to whatever is next in your day – relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated!