Oftentimes,
When our mind is bombarded with thoughts,
We might get advice or think to ourselves of if we could just focus on something,
Anything,
Then we can start to untangle the web that is our thoughts.
Focusing on something,
In air quotes,
Can sometimes be very abstract.
Today we're going to practice focusing on counting our breath as something tangible and real that we can feel to redirect our thoughts to.
It is hard for your thoughts to be all over the place when your mind and your body are connected and working on the same goal.
So take a moment to get comfortable.
You can be seated or lying down.
Try not to cross any of your limbs.
Keep your eyes open or closed.
Whatever is most comfortable and safest for you today.
Whenever you're ready,
We'll take a breath in through your nose as you count one.
As you breathe out,
You can breathe out through your mouth or your nose and breathe two.
As you breathe back in,
Three.
As you breathe out again,
Four.
Continue this counting,
The inhale being an odd number and the exhale being an even number,
All the way to ten.
If you begin to lose focus or some of those thoughts come in or perhaps you've forgotten which number you're on,
Simply start back at one.
Remember to inhale an odd number.
And exhale an even number.
All the way to ten.
And begin again at one.
If you begin to lose the number or your thoughts,
You're thinking about something else,
Then simply start back over at one,
Breathing in through the nose.
One more time.
Continue inhaling through your nose and exhaling in whichever way is most comfortable for you today.
Now,
You can release the focus on the count.
I prefer you can wait until you get to ten or go ahead and release.
Allow your breath to count up to get to normal.
It's your regular breathing pattern.
Let your thoughts go wherever they may go.
This practice of counting breaths can be used at any time.
Visit in transit,
In the middle of a party.
Simply focusing on counting your inhalations and exhalations can bring your mind and body into connection towards a common goal.
You can continue this for as long as you like or restart.
I hope that you found this useful.
Have a wonderful rest of your day.
