The Awareness Breath: a breathing exercise for peace of mind

image by Keoki Seu

In this week's podcast Shann shares a breathing exercise to help you bring awareness to your breath and calm your mind.

Breathing in, I know I am breathing in. Breathing out, I know I am breathing out.
Breathing in a long breath, I know I am breathing in a long breath. Breathing out a long breath, I know I am breathing out a long breath.
Breathing in a short breath, I know I am breathing in a short breath. Breathing out a short breath, I know I am breathing out a short breath.
Breathing in, I am aware of my whole body. Breathing out I am aware of my whole body.  
Breathing in, I calm my whole body. Breathing out, I calm my whole body.
Breathing in, I feel joyful. Breathing out, I feel joyful.
Breathing in, I feel happy. Breathing out, I feel happy.  
Breathing in, I am aware of my mental chatter. Breathing out, I am aware of my mental chatter.
Breathing in, I calm my mental commentary. Breathing out, I calm my mental comentary.
Breathing in, I am aware of my mind. Breathing out, I am aware of my mind.
Breathing in, I make my mind happy. Breathing out, I make my mind happy.
Breathing in, I concentrate my mind. Breathing out, I concentrate my mind.
Breathing in, I liberate my mind. Breathing out, I liberate my mind.
Breathing in, I observe letting go. Breathing out, I observe letting go.

When breathing in awareness is practiced regularly you will experience peace of mind.

Listen to this simple mindful breathing exercise here...

(if your browser doesn't show the podcast player please listen on iTunes)

For more breathing meditations to help you calm your anxiety please visit the Slayer Store

Comments

[Igor]

This is actually really helpful Shann. I have been having some problems with anxiety and having hard time just staying focused, but this exercise really does help me calm my nerves. Thank you!

[Chris]

"...I make my mind happy..."

I LOVE that! =)

I always use breathing exercises nowadays when I'm having an anxiety attack, but I don't know how I'd use a really long one like this. Do you have it memorized, Shann? Or like, printed on a card you keep in your pocket?

Just not sure how to apply it in a practical way. For me, I just pay attention to breathing in and out, counting my breaths and gradually lengthening them. Definitely helps!

Chris