Breathing Tempo

Become mindful of how your body feels when you change the tempo of your breath. You breathe at your regular breathing tempo, then quicker and then slower. How do you feel when you slow down your breath, how does your body feel?

Transcript

Let's prepare to meditate. Adjust your body so that you are sitting comfortably. Close your eyes. Rest your hands on your lap in any way that is comfortable for you. Take a nice filling breath in. Breathe deeply in through your nose and breathe out slowly through your mouth. Do this again. Now when you exhale, Breathe out with a long sigh. Do this breathing again a few more times to settle your mind and body. You are ready to begin. Let's notice how our body feels when we change our breath. Take a moment to relax fully and breathe normally. Now every time you inhale, In your mind, Say 1. When you exhale, Say 2. Try that for a moment. Inhale 1, Exhale 2. Now let's change the speed of our breath. Keep saying 1 on the inhale and 2 on the exhale. Begin breathing quickly, Not too fast, Just a bit quicker than normal. Count the breaths, 1 and 2. Begin breathing normally again. How did this feel? How relaxed were you? Now let's change your breath again. Let's begin breathing slowly. Slow your breath as if you were sleeping or watching something beautiful. Breathe slowly, But not in a way that feels uncomfortable. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Now using your count of 1 and 2, Count these breaths. Think 1 when you inhale and 2 when you exhale. Begin breathing sleepily, Fully, Slowly. Count your breaths with 1 and 2. Well done. Go back to your regular breathing now. How do you feel when you slow down your breath? How does your body feel? How relaxed are you now? What can you learn from this breathing exercise? Take a few moments now to relax and breathe slowly. Breathe fully, Deeply, Sleepily. With each breath, Imagine your body feeling heavier, Softer, And more relaxed. As our meditation comes to a close, Draw your attention back to your real body. Notice and feel where your body is touching the floor or chair. Wiggle your fingers. Wiggle your toes. Take a deep breath. Now go ahead and stretch out your body in any way that feels good to you. When you are ready, Open your eyes. Now go out and find the magic in your day.