Take a breather…

February 1, 2009 · Posted under Asana and Breath Review 

We’re stuck in the middle of winter, the evening news is less than uplifting and your paycheck seems to be shrinking- if you’re lucky enough to have one! Find a sunny spot to relax and explore the breath, or practice this meditation as a prelude to sleep.

Find a comfortable posture, bring awareness to your body, relax…Devote your attention to your breathing. Stay aware. Observe.

 

Rest one palm to your belly and feel the hand rise with the inhale and driftdownward with each exhale. Imagine a balloon inside your stomach, that expands with the inhale and deflates with the exhale. Note the rhythm of your breathing, its coming and going. Pay attention to the feeling of air moving through your nose. Observe your breath, without trying to alter it.

If you struggle with keeping your mind from wandering, count each time you breathe out- one number for each breath. When you reach ten, start over or reverse the count. Feel the difference between counting on the in breaths and the out breaths. Pay attention to the way you breathe in different situations, such as when you are walking, running, relieved, happy, sad or tired.

While you practice this mindful breathing, you are prevented from thinking about anything that might be troubling you during the time you take to do it- in addition to relaxing your body.

If you don’t know how you are feeling, your breath will tell you. The breath is a mirror of the emotions. Let your breathing help you tune into your feelings.

 

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