You may do this practice seated or lying down.
The most important thing is that your body is open to allow the breath to flow freely.
This breathing exercise is called square breathing,
Also known as box breathing or four-part breath.
Square breathing can be useful in many situations.
It can help to calm yourself down when faced with stress or overwhelm.
It can help with sleep to reduce work stress or simply when you need to clear your head.
And one of the great things about engaging in any breathwork practice is that you can do it anywhere anytime.
You might want to set an intention or invite a neutral or positive image to focus on during your breathing practice.
Your intention could be relaxation or healing or sleep.
Whatever you find engaging and authentic for you.
So this breathing exercise is done as follows.
We will use four counts for every side of the square.
So four counts of in-breath,
Then four counts hold,
Four counts out-breath,
Then four counts hold and then starting again.
Breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth.
So breathe out and let's start.
Breathing in one,
Two,
Three,
Four.
Hold two,
Three,
Four.
Breathing out two,
Three,
Four.
Hold two,
Three,
Four.
In two,
Three,
Four.
Hold two,
Three,
Four.
Out two,
Three,
Four.
Hold two,
Three,
Four.
In two,
Three,
Four.
Hold two,
Three,
Four.
Out two,
Three,
Four.
Hold two,
Three,
Four.
In,
Hold,
Out,
Hold.
In,
Hold,
Out,
Hold.
In,
Hold,
Out,
Hold.
In,
Hold,
Out,
Hold.
In,
Hold,
Out,
Hold.
In,
Hold,
Out,
Hold.
In,
Hold,
Out,
Hold.
In,
Hold,
Out,
Hold.
In,
Hold,
Out,
Hold.
In,
Hold,
Out,
Hold.
In,
Hold,
Out,
Hold.
In,
Hold,
Out,
Hold.
In,
Hold,
Out,
Hold.
In,
Hold,
Out,
Hold.
In,
Hold,
Out,
Hold.
Now return to your natural breathing pattern.
You might notice that your mind is a lot calmer,
More relaxed.
Another benefit of this practice is an improved oxygenation of the body,
Resulting in you being more alert and refreshed.
Just notice that as you breathe freely.
Here I want to thank you for practicing with me today and for showing up for yourself.
I wish you a beautiful rest of your day.
This breathing exercise is now complete.