Today we begin with a short practice of silence drawn from the Sacred Heart tradition, often called espacio—a way of making room for what is already present.

Take a moment to read the instructions fully. When you are ready, set a five-minute timer and begin.

Instructions:

Settle into a comfortable posture.
Begin to notice your breathing, allowing it to be quiet and natural. There is nothing to change or control.
Choose a single, simple word. This word will serve as a gentle anchor, not a command or judgment. You may return to it whenever your attention drifts.
Silently acknowledge your intention:

I am opening my awareness to what is present within this silence, to the universe, the divine, the spirit, flowing through me.
Rest in the quiet. Let the silence be close to you rather than something to reach for or achieve.
When thoughts, emotions, or distractions arise, acknowledge them without resistance. Gently return to your chosen word, allowing it to guide you back into stillness.
Continue in this way until the timer ends.

To close, offer a brief word of thanks—for the silence, for the effort to attend, or simply for the moment itself.

When you are done, take a moment to journal privately about your experience.

Then, respond to the following prompts:

Where in your body do you feel your breath most noticeably?
Where in your school environment and school day might you practice espacio?

Meditation: "Espacio"