meditation practice

Returning What Is Not Mine

5 · 10 min4 steps

Before you begin

Sit with your hands open on your knees. Think of one burden that belongs to someone else.

The practice, step by step — read it all first if you like

  1. Name it

    Name the burden honestly: their mood, their choice, their consequence, their opinion of you.

    about 60 seconds

  2. Feel the weight

    Notice where this borrowed weight sits in your body.

    about 90 seconds

  3. Return it

    With each long out-breath, imagine handing it back — respectfully, without anger, without drama.

    about 150 seconds

  4. Keep your own

    Name what IS yours — your response, your care, your boundary — and settle it gently in place.

    about 90 seconds

Accessibility

Works silently; no movement required beyond natural breathing.

How long do you have?

Or read through it quietly above, at your own pace.