Welcome,
Dear traveler of the breath.
Find a comfortable position,
Either seated or lying down and gently close your eyes and bring your attention to your breath.
There's no need to change it or control it,
Just noticing it.
Feel the gentle rise and fall,
Natural rhythm of your inhale and exhale.
As you inhale,
Becoming aware of the cool air entering your nostrils.
As you exhale,
Notice the warmth of the air leaving your body.
With each breath,
Let your awareness settle deeper into the present moment and slowly start to count your breath.
Inhale for a count of four,
Three,
Two,
One.
Hold for a brief pause.
Exhale for a count of six,
Five,
Four,
Three,
Two,
One.
We'll do this again.
Inhale for a count of four,
Three,
Two,
One.
Holding for a brief pause at the top and exhaling for a count of six,
Five,
Four,
Three,
Two,
And one.
Let your breath be steady,
Smooth,
And effortless.
Allow your breath to deepen naturally.
Imagine each inhale filling your body with calm.
Imagine each out-breath to release any tension and start to tune in with the space between each breath,
The quiet stillness that exists in every pause.
We'll begin with a gentle mantra.
As you inhale,
Silently say to yourself,
I am here.
I am here.
As you exhale,
Silently say,
I am present.
I am present.
I am here.
I am present.
Let these words guide your focus,
Bringing you fully into this moment.
Without judgment,
Notice any sensations in the body.
Feel the air moving through your nostrils and the slight expansion of your chest and belly.
If the mind wanders,
Gently return to the rhythm of your breath.
No effort,
Just awareness.
And slowly allow your breath to return to its natural rhythm.
Feel your body grounded and supported.
Take a deep inhale through the nose and sigh it out through the mouth.
And when you feel ready,
Gently wiggle your fingers and toes,
Bringing awareness back to the space around you.
And carry this sense of calm and presence with you as you continue your day.
Thank you for this moment of stillness.
I hope you enjoyed today's practice.
Namaste.