Palming (Eye Relaxation)

Begin by closing your eyes softly, allowing the weight of your eyelids to create a boundary between you and the outer world. As you close your eyes, notice the subtle sensation of that boundary—how your eyelids create a protective shield, a soft line between light and darkness. Take a few deep breaths, and with each exhale, allow your body to relax more fully into this moment. Perhaps you feel a gentle sense of separation from your surroundings, or maybe a growing stillness within. When you’re ready, begin to rub your palms together slowly, feeling the warmth building as your hands move. Once your hands feel warm, gently place them over your closed eyes, allowing your palms to rest softly without pressing. Notice how your hands reinforce the boundary of your eyelids, creating an additional layer of protection and comfort. Feel the warmth spreading from your palms into your eyes, or perhaps a sense of relaxation softening around your forehead. Let your breath remain steady, allowing the calm to deepen. As your palms rest over your eyes, notice how this double boundary—your eyelids and your hands—creates a retreat, a space of quiet and darkness. This boundary invites you to turn inward, into your own body and awareness. Perhaps you sense a deeper layer of restfulness as your eyes relax into the warmth, or maybe the tension in your temples begins to dissolve. If thoughts or images arise, allow them to move gently past this boundary, like waves reaching a shore and then retreating. There’s no need to follow them—just let them come and go. Now, with your hands still resting gently over your eyes, take a moment to appreciate the sensation of being enclosed in this comforting space. Maybe there’s a deep stillness settling into your body, or perhaps you feel a quiet energy radiating from your hands into your eyes. Notice how this boundary—your eyelids, your hands—creates a container where you can simply be, protected from the outside world. Feel the ease in letting go, allowing your breath to flow naturally as you rest in this space of calm and warmth. When you feel ready, slowly begin to remove your hands from your eyes, keeping your eyelids closed for a moment longer. Notice the difference between the warmth of your palms and the cool air around you. Your eyelids, still acting as a gentle boundary, slowly blink open, letting in light as softly as you desire. Perhaps you notice a shift in the light or in your vision, or maybe a new clarity in your mind. Allow your gaze to soften as you take in your surroundings, feeling the protection and ease that remains within you. Take a few more breaths, allowing your awareness to expand, noticing how your body feels now. Maybe there’s a sense of calm behind your eyes, or perhaps you feel more grounded. As you return to the space around you, remember that these boundaries—your eyelids, your breath, your awareness—are always available to create a moment of rest and quiet whenever you need them.