By Kimine Mayuzumi
It’s been quite a while since I created my first guided meditation audio for writing. Since then, I’ve received so much positive feedback … and, in fact, it’s been one of our top three most viewed blog posts ever.
That’s why I thought it was time for a refresh. So I asked our listeners what they’d love to see (or hear) in an updated version. Through a recent survey, I gathered thoughtful and generous suggestions. And I’m so grateful for each one of them.
Based on their feedback, I made a few key changes:
- Breathing guidance
One of the key changes is in the breathing section. I’ve adapted the guidance to align more closely with my recent Tai Chi practice by inviting awareness into the lower abdomen, or Dan Tien – our energetic center. This variation offers a fresh way of connecting with the body and breath, opening up new possibilities for grounding and presence, especially for those who return to the meditation regularly. - Wording
I’ve revised the phrases you’re invited to repeat throughout the meditation. With the challenges of writing and scholarly work under pressure and time constraints in mind, I shaped them to gently evoke a sense of grounding, acceptance, curiosity, expansion, and connection, without needing to name those states directly. - Intro and closing info
I’ve added a brief credit at the beginning, naming who crafted the audio, and included a URL at the end where listeners can find more practices like this one. If you’d prefer to begin with the meditation itself, feel free to skip ahead about 4 seconds.
This updated version is still short and accessible (around 5 minutes). It brings a slightly different emphasis, one that gently centers compassion and collective care, while remaining rooted in the same spirit of ease, attentiveness, and trust in process over outcomes.
I’ve also continued to use the same background shakuhachi music by my friend, Koji Matsunobu – a sound that many listeners have found grounding and soothing.
I hope you enjoy it.
Image credit: Kento Higashimura