Afternoon Awake

What to expect

Some songs start with one quiet instrument, then a beat comes in, then the bass, and by the end everything is playing. This one goes like that. You start down low with your eyes open, and as the music builds, brushed drums, the beat, a bass line, the melody opening out, attention climbs with it from your feet to the top of your head. Then the rising carries on by itself, your gaze lifts and widens, and you pick up where you left off.

How to listen:

• Sitting or lying down, wherever you are, eyes open.
• The movements are small and quiet; skip any you like.
• Later, when the afternoon dips again, lift your gaze and let it widen.
• Never while driving.

About

Safety and aftercare. You can stop at any point. Nothing here asks you to hold your breath or push. If what you need is sleep rather than a lift, that is worth listening to.

Credits. That energy is best allowed to rise naturally, and is felt as a steady upward flow once what blocks it is out of the way, is Michael Singer’s teaching. Coming back refreshed, with the eyes open and the body moved, follows the return of autogenic training.

Written by Lucas + Twins. Voice: Jessi.

Transcript

Opening

Some songs start with one quiet instrument.

Then a beat comes in. Then the bass.

By the end, everything is playing.

This one starts very quietly.

Down low, where you are.

Sit or lie however suits you.

Let your gaze go low and soft.

Take one ordinary breath.

Hear the sounds around you.

Notice the colours in the room.

Part two: Gather low

Bring your attention to your feet.

Skip any movement you’d rather not do.

Wriggle your toes, small and quiet.

Notice what is awake there now.

A little or a lot will do.

Part three: Rise

Follow the music upward from there.

Shins, where the brushed drums begin.

Knees, the beat picking up.

Belly, a bass line underneath.

Chest, the melody opening out.

Throat and jaw, all brighter.

The top of your head, all playing.

Lift your gaze and let it widen.

Part four: By itself

Let the rising go on by itself.

It needs nothing from you.

Let it climb its own way.

However faint, let it be.

Let it carry on, past the top of your head.

Part five: Into it

Lift your gaze and let it widen.

Take in the whole room.

Later, when the afternoon dips, lift your gaze and let it widen.

Roll your shoulders once, small.

Stretch your fingers and wrists.

Pick up where you left off.