This meditation is going to feel a little different.
We aren't going to find relaxation or settle into the space as much as we might in others.
That is because this meditation is designed to be a pick-me-up.
It's 4 p.
M.
Your brain is winding down and thoughts of heading home and getting much deserved rest are taking over.
But you have that one last meeting of the day to go.
Or maybe you're finishing up a report that you need to submit before your work day can officially end.
By this time it's too late for coffee.
A walk might set you back and your work bestie who would normally pump you up is out.
So what can you do?
You can count on your breath.
While we mostly focus on our breath to find relaxation,
We can also use our breath to increase our sense of focus,
Creativity and drive.
And it only takes a few minutes.
Sit up in your seat with your chin parallel to the floor.
Lengthen your spine by reaching the crown of your head towards the ceiling and grounding your sit bones further into your seat.
Place your feet flat on the ground and relax your stomach.
That's right,
Relax your stomach.
Play around with expanding your stomach with air as you breathe in and then feeling it empty with each exhale.
For this particular round of breath,
We are going to fill up with a deep breath of air.
It's longer than usual so it's important that we mindfully begin to breathe in our stomach,
Then into our ribs and then into our chest.
We will hold this deep expansive breath for seven seconds.
When it is time to release,
It will be a quick open mouth exhale rushing the breath out of you.
We will do this for about five rounds.
I will count us out so you do not have to worry about maintaining the time or the count.
Just close your eyes if you haven't done so already.
Exhale all of your breath out,
Meeting me at the bottom of an exhale and hold here for just a moment.
Inhale slowly and with control for seven two three four five six seven.
Hold for eight two three four five six seven eight and release.
Inhale for seven two three four five six seven.
Hold for eight two three four five six seven eight and release.
Inhale for seven two three four five six seven.
Hold for eight two three four five six seven eight and release.
Inhale for seven two three four five six seven.
Hold for eight two three four five six seven eight and release.
And last one.
Inhale for seven two three four five six seven.
Hold for eight two three four five six seven eight and release.
Take a moment to reconnect to your regular breath and be mindful of any sensations in your body.
Maybe you feel that increased circulation of energy moving through your body.
Maybe you feel a little bit of tingling going on in your fingertips.
Maybe you feel your heart is beating a little bit quicker than it was before.
And hopefully above anything you feel that little burst of energy to help you through the rest of your day.
Good luck!
