We all know what balloons are – big bursts of color filled with air or helium that lift up toward the sky — often taking our spirits with them.
We also know what it means to dream – which takes place in our daydreams and at nighttime, of course.
So, what exactly is Balloon Dreaming? I like to think of it as a colorful, uplifting meditation that can be easily done any time and any place. It can be especially helpful if you are feeling anxious about a certain day or situation.
How can a Balloon Dream help you during these times?
Well, before your day begins — before you even stop out of bed – blow up a colorful balloon in your mind. One that is in your favorite color. For me, a bright green balloon fills my mind.
Then, I fill it while still in bed — I put in all of my fears and worries about the day ahead of me as well as give credence to all that could go well. Then I look at what has filled my bright green balloon. I try to make sure that there are equal parts of both positive and negative ideas/thoughts/images in my balloon. I may even push myself to fill it up with a bit more of the “good positive stuff” to make my balloon feel especially good for me, although I know it also safely contains my worries and fears too.
From there, I imagine blowing up my green balloon a little bit more — I know in reality this would not be possible once the balloon is tied, but in my meditative reverie, anything is possible.
I blow it up a little further for there to be room for the unexpected to come my way, to invite in what I do not know yet. To invite in surprise.
From there, I look at my balloon and I admire it for all it is holding for me.
As I head to bed that night, I pop the bright green balloon and see what the day actually brought. All of it has been contained by my balloon and now I am also able to see the surprises that were unveiled along the way.
Balloon Dreaming I call it. A creative meditation to hold all we feel toward any situation and/or day — as well as allows us to make room for all that we don’t know yet either.