I'm Grant Ward

Chapter 92: Meditation and Cooking Lessons

After his unexpected encounter with May in the cargo bay, Ward reflected on the importance of meditation in his own life and how it had helped him deal with the pressures of being a soldier and, later, an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. It got him thinking about Skye and how she was progressing in her training. She was becoming an excellent student, absorbing the lessons of combat and discipline, but Ward knew that physical skills were only part of the puzzle. Controlling the mind was essential, especially on high-pressure missions.

The next morning, Ward decided it was time to introduce Skye to the practice of meditation.

Skye was in the shuttle hangar, finishing her stretches after a physical training session with Ward. She had made great progress in the last few weeks and was proud of herself. Her combat skills were improving, and she felt more confident every day.

Ward, who stood beside her, watched her progress with a critical but approving eye.

— "You're doing great, Skye. Your form is improving, and your stamina is great. But I want to teach you something new today," Ward said, crossing his arms as he looked at her.

Skye smiled, wiping the sweat from her forehead.

— "What's it going to be now? More punches? Or maybe a new Krav Maga move?"

Ward shook his head and gave a small smile.

— "Today, we're not going to focus on the physical. I want to teach you something that will help you stay focused in stressful and pressured situations. I want to teach you how to meditate."

Skye arched an eyebrow in surprise.

— "Meditate? Really? That seems... a little out of character for a field agent, don't you think?"

Ward chuckled softly.

— "I used to think the same thing, but meditation has helped me a lot with staying focused and clear-headed. When you're on a mission and things start to get out of hand, being able to stay calm can make all the difference. Plus, it can help you process the things you're experiencing in the field, both physically and emotionally."

Skye looked intrigued, but a little skeptical.

— "Okay, why not? I'm willing to give it a try."

Ward motioned for her to sit on the floor next to him. They settled in, crossing their legs, their palms resting on their knees. He began to guide her calmly.

— "The first thing you need to do is focus on your breathing. Take a deep breath in through your nose and slowly exhale through your mouth. Let the air fill your lungs, then empty them completely. Just focus on that."

Skye closed her eyes and began to follow Ward's instructions. At first, it felt a little strange to her. Accustomed to being on the move, stopping and focusing solely on her breathing was a challenge. But as time passed, she began to feel a calmness taking over her body, as if the weight of the last few weeks of training was slowly being lifted.

— "Now, as you breathe, let your mind go empty," Ward continued. "If any thoughts try to distract you, acknowledge them, but then let them go. Always return to your breathing. It's okay to get distracted, the important thing is to bring your attention back."

Skye tried to follow the instructions. At first, her mind was full of thoughts—about the missions, her doubts, even about Ward and what he was thinking. But gradually, she began to lose herself in the rhythm of her breathing, feeling a lightness she had never experienced before. She didn't realize how much time had passed until Ward broke the silence with a soft voice.

— "How do you feel?"

She opened her eyes slowly, blinking a few times to focus.

— "I... I feel strangely relaxed. It's like everything is clearer, lighter," she said, surprised. "Do you do this often?"