Three Deep Breaths

This short, sweet, and anchoring meditation is one of my favourites. It is especially helpful when we are in transition or feeling alone, stressed, or activated. We start by connecting to the ground. We then move on to the actual practice of three deep breaths. The number three here is really just a placeholder for however many breaths might support you in any given moment. I hope you enjoy this brief meditation.

Transcript

Welcome to this practice of three deep breaths. This is a practice that can be done anywhere, Anytime. And is particularly helpful during transitions. Like when you arrive in a new place or with a new group. It can also be helpful whenever you feel alone or isolated, Stressed out or frustrated, Afraid or confused, Or any other activated state. So with any practice, We begin by just spending a little bit of time noticing our contact with the ground. And feeling the support there. And then from here, Also noticing the rest of the body held in space. Space stretching in all directions all around us. When you're ready, You can begin by extending the exhalation. By pulling the belly in and up and emptying the lungs completely. From here, The body will naturally take a deep inhalation. And exhalation. Free to make any noises that feel good to you on the exhalation. And repeat as many times as feels good to you. So the three is really a placeholder for however many breaths can support you just now with whatever's going on. And as you do these deep breaths, There's an invitation to really feel the expansion and contraction of the ribcage. Notice the temperature of the air as it comes and goes, And any tingling, Softening, Warmth that follows. Feeling the breath deep in the belly as you breathe in. All the organs swelling and receding with each breath. With these deep breaths, We can also familiarize ourselves with the texture, Depth, And length of the breath. Seeing if we can follow it for as long as it lasts. Noticing how deeply we can feel the breathing body as the breath comes in. Seeing if you can sense it all the way out on the edges of the skin. And as it goes out, Feeling the body really soften. Remember that this experience is universal to all human beings and many animals. Remember that the air you are breathing is an inseparable part of the universe and has been circulating the earth for longer than you've been alive. Remember that the carbon dioxide you breathe out supports some plant somewhere someday. Remember that you are alive and deeply connected to all things. Once you've completed the practice. There's an invitation to just take some time to notice any effects that these deep breaths have had on your mind and body. Before continuing on the rest of your day.