Wednesday, January 13, 2021

Breathing Practice 1 Just Breathe



It sounds so easy to simply take a breath, but most of us don’t breathe fully, and thus don’t receive the full benefits of what taking-in a little more oxygen can do. Focused breathing is how we begin to be mindful. It guides us to being fully present in the moment.

So, let’s begin the year of mindfulness with a simple breathing exercise to get you used to considering your breath.
  • Sit with a relaxed posture in a chair or on a mat on the floor. Just be as comfortable as you would like to be. You can even lie down.
  • If you are sitting, rest your hands on your lap, or on your stomach if you are lying down.
  • Tuck your chin slightly and relax your jaw.
  • Allow your eyelids to lightly close (soft eyes).
  • Now, breathe in slowly through your nose, and out through your mouth.
  • Tune into the natural flow of your breath and allow your mind to relax.
  • If a thought flows by, allow it to do just that then come back to your breath.
  • Do this for 10 minutes or longer each morning, throughout your day as often as you would like, and as you drift off to sleep.
Let this exercise be easy. Simply breathe.

Next week, we’ll add more focus to our breathing. Until then just breathe.

Stay safe and take care,
Michelle

Unable to find credit for just breathe graphics