Breath is a small doorway with three gifts.
First,
Breath speaks directly to the nervous system.
A longer exhale can tell the body.
You are safe enough to soften.
Second,
Breath gathers the mind.
Length and how many births made are not the point itself.
They are a fairy that brings us back from the extra thoughts to what is actually here.
And third.
Breath is both automatic and responsive.
It happens by itself and it also listens to us.
Because of that.
Breath becomes a bridge between habit and choice.
Today is not about becoming a good breather.
It is about meeting a friend.
You can return to.
Before we start.
Please remember that nothing here should feel forced or heroic.
If you feel dizzy,
Anxious or uncomfortable,
Just return to your natural breath.
You are always in charge of your practice.
The best breath is the one that leaves you feeling a little more like yourself.
As we go through the practice.
You can remember that.
These are not techniques to achieve.
But friends to come home to.
When the mind becomes busy.
The breath gives it a simple job.
Counting or following the rhythm is not to escape experience,
It is a return to it.
We don't have to breathe just to get rid of thoughts.
We breathe to come back from the ones we got lost in.
If at any time striving appears.
This is just information.
Striving may mean that we have turned a friend into a project.
And that we can often soften again.
I now invite you.
To come into a position that speaks to you with ease.
Checking.
That the back is straight.
And everything else.
Relaxes the arms,
The legs,
The hands.
Softening the jaw.
And even the eyes.
Take a moment to feel the body here.
The weight of the body being held.
The feet touching the ground.
The points of contact beneath you.
Now gently bring your attention to the breath.
There is no need to control it.
Just noticing that breathing is already happening.
You might begin by noticing where the breath is easiest to feel.
Is it through the nose?
Maybe the chest?
Or the belly.
Choose one place.
And.
.
.
Let your attention wander.
Rest there.
Feel the breath.
As it comes in.
And Feel the breath.
As it goes out.
Breathing in.
I am breathing in.
Breathing out.
I am breathing out.
And just being with the breath.
Being with the rhythm of the breath.
Wherever it is for you.
In.
If the mind wanders.
Riches?
What mines do?
When you notice it.
Gently bring your attention back.
To the next breath.
Breathing in.
I am breathing in.
Breathing out.
I am breathing out.
You might silently say in.
As you breathe in.
.
.
Out.
As you breathe out.
Just simply feel the movement.
Nothing to improve Nothing to fix.
Just noticing.
If it feels comfortable.
You might let the out-breath.
Be a little bit longer.
Not worth seeing it.
Just softening.
And then letting the next inhale come naturally.
The breath can be a place to return to.
Again and again.
For the last few moments Let go of any effort.
It let the breath return to its own rhythm and simply notice.
When you're ready.
Begin to notice the body again.
The space around you.
Gently opening the eyes if they were close.
Thank you so much.
For your practice.
