Hello,
My name is Hillary Lafon and I'm so grateful that you've joined me today for a simple breathing exercise.
So find yourself in a comfortable position,
Seated,
Laying down or maybe you're out for a walk.
This exercise is just going to help us come back to our breath and take a break from our busy day.
Paying attention and bringing awareness to the breath can help us stay centered and focused and reduce stress.
So if you are lying down or sitting in a chair,
Gently close your eyes.
Bring your awareness to your breath.
Maybe place one hand on your belly and the other hand on your chest.
Feel the sensation of your hands on your skin or on your clothes.
Feel the warmth,
The gentleness,
The comfort that you can offer yourself.
Notice your chest expanding,
Your stomach rising with each inhale.
And then notice how it feels as you exhale,
Letting all the breath leave your body.
Each breath cleansing you,
Bringing you energy on the inhale and on the exhale letting everything go.
Inhaling deeply,
Exhaling completely.
Exhaling at your own pace.
Allow your body to soften with each exhale.
And each inhale feeling invigorated,
Restored,
Refreshed.
Take a moment to just breathe.
Exhaling as your body moves with the inhale and the exhale.
Allow a wave of relaxation to wash over you.
Feeling relaxed,
At ease.
In the present moment,
Nothing to do,
Nowhere to go.
Just noticing and appreciating every breath.
If any muscles have tensed,
Use the next breath to simply relax.
If your mind has wandered,
Come back to the breath,
Simply noticing the air coming in the nose and out the nose or the mouth.
Allow your hands to fall in your lap.
Take one more deep breath in and out.
When you're ready,
Open your eyes,
Wiggle your fingers,
Wiggle your toes,
Remembering that you can take this small little break anytime during the day,
Welcoming your breath,
Relaxing the body.
Thank you so much for allowing me the precious gift of your time.
Until next time.