Affectionate Breathing

Welcome to Affectionate Breathing.

Please find a position in which your body is comfortable and will feel supported for the duration of this meditation.

Let your eyes close gently or lower your gaze and take a few nourishing breaths.

On the out-breath release any unnecessary tension in your body.

If you like,

Place a hand over your heart or another soothing place as a reminder that you're bringing not only awareness but affectionate awareness to your breathing and to yourself.

You can leave your hand there or rest it at any time.

Now begin to notice your breathing in your body,

Feeling your body breathing in and feeling your body breathing out.

Perhaps notice how your body is nourished on the in-breath and how it relaxes with the out-breath.

Just let your body breathe.

There is nothing you need to do.

Now notice the rhythm of your breathing flowing in and flowing out.

Take some time to feel the rhythm of your breathing.

Feel your whole body subtly moving with the breath,

Like the movement of the sea.

Allow your whole body to be gently rocked and caressed,

Internally caressed,

By your breathing.

If you like,

Even giving yourself over to your breathing.

Just breathing.

Being breathing.

And now gently release your attention from your breathing.

Sitting quietly in your own experience and allowing yourself to feel whatever you're feeling and to be just as you are.

When you're ready,

Slowly and gently open your eyes and return to the room.