Enjoying The Breath

One of three core meditations taught in mindful self-compassion, this guided meditation takes listeners on a journey of sensations of the breath. Using the breath as the focus is convenient, as it is with us at all times, in all places. Similar to traditional breath meditation, it is enhanced with a focus on pleasant sensations and gratitude for the nourishment our bodies are receiving throughout the day. Enjoy.

Transcript

Affectionate breathing meditation. Find a posture in which your body is comfortable and will feel supported for the duration of the meditation. Allowing your eyes to gently close. Take a few slow, Easy breaths, Releasing any unnecessary tension in your body. If you like, Placing a hand over your heart or another soothing place as a reminder that you're bringing not only awareness but affectionate awareness to your breathing and to yourself. You can leave your hand there or let it rest at any time. Now beginning to notice your breathing in your body, Feeling your body breathe in and feeling your body breathe out. Perhaps noticing how your body is nourished on the in-breath and relaxes with the out-breath. Just letting your body breathe you. There's nothing you need to do. Now noticing the rhythm of your breathing flowing in and flowing out. Taking some time to feel the rhythm of your breathing. Perhaps inclining your attention towards your breathing as you might toward a beloved child or a dear friend. Feeling your whole body subtly moving with the breath like the movement of the sea. As you rest, Feel a sense of natural air in your mindcomplaining the touch of the open air with your forward breathing. Your mind will naturally wander like a curious child or a little puppy. When that happens, Just gently returning to the rhythm of your breath. Your mind will naturally wander like a curious child or a little puppy. Just noticing when the puppy has wandered and returning your attention to your breath. Your mind will naturally wander like a curious child or a little puppy. If you notice there's a sense of watching your breath, See if you can let that go and just be with your breath, Feeling it. You can let that go and just be with your breath. Allowing your whole body to be gently rocked and caressed, Internally caressed by your breathing. If you like, Even giving yourself over to your breathing. You can let that go and just be with your breath. Just breathing. Feeling breathed. And now gently releasing your attention to your breathing, Sitting quietly in your own experience and allowing yourself to feel whatever you're feeling and to be just as you are. Thin air. And when you're ready, Slowly and gently opening your eyes. And when you're ready, Slowly and gently opening your eyes. And when you're ready, Slowly and gently opening your eyes. Thank you.