Breath Counting

This is a brief breathing practice that is easily learned. Once you have tried it a few times you will be able to use it anywhere and any time you want to anchor yourself back in your breath, your body, and your presence.

Photo by Nicole Avagliano on Unsplash

Transcript

Find a comfortable position.

Notice your contact with the ground beneath and allow your body to rest into the support.

Let your eyes close or look downwards and allow your awareness to go to your breath.

Now just breathe.

Don't try to breathe in any particular way.

There's no need to breathe slowly or quickly,

Deeply or shallowly,

Just simply allowing the breath to come and go.

Begin to count your breaths at the end of each out-breath and we'll continue this for a minute.

When your mind wanders away,

As it will do often,

Just notice and acknowledge where it has gone and then gently bring it back to your breathing.

If you lose count,

Don't worry,

Just start again from one or guess where you were.

There's no right or wrong,

That's the end of the minute.

If you want,

You can try another minute now with no cues.

Starting the minute now,

Just counting your breath.

That's the end of the second minute.

So bring your awareness back into the room around you.

And open your eyes when you are ready.

End of exercise.