This practice is called Affectionate Breathing and it is inspired by the Center for Mindfulness Studies.
So I first invite you to find a quiet place to sit and start by making any adjustments you need to to support a feeling of safety and relaxation.
Placing your body in a way that is straight but also gently supported and start by taking three slow gentle breaths.
Notice the air entering and leaving your body.
It feels good to do so.
You can gently close your eyes or just find a comfortable place to let them rest.
Continue paying attention to your breath and see if you can notice where you experience your breath most easily.
For some people this might be at the nose,
Noticing how the air is cooler as it comes in and warmer as it goes out.
For some people it's the noticing of the rising and falling of the chest and abdomen.
So just taking a moment here to bring curiosity to the experience of your breath.
If at any point you notice that your mind has wandered,
Know that this is perfectly normal.
Just recognize that your mind has gone somewhere else and see if you can gently and compassionately return your attention to the breath once again.
Notice how your body continues to breathe even without the intention or the conscious effort to do so.
Now I invite you to place a hand over your heart,
Bringing to mind the thought that you are bringing kind attention to your breathing.
Bring awareness to the fact that your breath continues to nourish you whether you are bringing conscious attention to it or not.
Your breath is with you your whole life.
See if you can appreciate this automatic process that supports your life wherever you go.
See if you can turn towards your breath with loving attention,
With curiosity,
And gratitude.
When you notice your mind has wandered,
Just simply bring your mind back to the sensation of the breath.
Don't worry about how often you need to do this.
Continue to bring compassionate and affectionate attention to your breath.
Now for a moment here,
Take some time to rest in the experience of your body.
Noticing any changes in your level of tension,
Areas in which you feel supported by the surface beneath you.
Notice any changes in the quality of your breath,
In the pace and the depth of your breathing.
When you feel ready,
Allow your eyes to slowly and gently blink open.
I hope you move forward into your day with more gratitude and self-compassion.
Take care.
