Welcome to this breathing meditation.
Our breath is a wonderful thing.
It can bring us up if we're feeling down and bring us down if we're maybe feeling stressed or anxious.
This simple breathing meditation will help you to cultivate mindfulness and relaxation as you focus on your breath as a calming anchor allowing you to let go of distractions and just find a sense of peace and calm.
So find a really really comfortable position where you can either sit down or lie down.
Start by closing your eyes.
Take a moment to settle into a comfortable position and begin by directing your attention to your breath.
Notice the natural rhythm of your breath without trying to change it.
Just feel the rise and fall of your stomach or the sensation of the air passing through your nostrils and as you continue to breathe naturally just begin to focus on the sensation of the inhale.
Feel the gentle expansion as you breathe in and then shift your attention to the exhale noticing the release and relaxation that comes with each out breath.
Just maintain your focus on the inhale and the exhale.
If your thoughts or distractions arise,
Which they most probably will,
Just gently acknowledge them without judgment.
Just allow the thoughts to pass like clouds in the sky and then just gently return your attention to your breath.
As you breathe keep your awareness on the present moment.
Try not to worry about the past or the future.
The breath is your anchor now.
Your breath is what keeps you in the here and now.
So just allowing yourself to come back to your breath,
To your anchor every time your mind wanders away.
Begin to deepen your breath slightly.
As you inhale take a full deep breath allowing your chest and abdomen to expand fully and as you exhale release the breath slowly feeling a sense of letting go.
With each exhale imagine releasing any tension,
Any stress or negativity.
Visualize this tension leaving your body with each out breath.
This simple breathing meditation is a foundational mindfulness practice that you can do anywhere,
Anytime.
It's a valuable tool for finding calm and grounding in the present moment.
So just allowing yourself to be here in this moment,
Connecting your breath and your body and your mind.
Being at one in this stillness.
As we bring this breathing meditation to a close just reflecting on your experience.
How did this simple breathing meditation make you feel?
Did you notice any changes?
Perhaps thinking about how this breathing meditation might be helpful in daily life especially during moments of stress or busyness.
And whenever you're ready very gently opening your eyes and bringing yourself back to the present moment.