Most of us move through the day holding tension within our body and not realizing it. Our breaths become more shallow, our bodies tense and our minds race. Sometimes we forgot to simply pause and take a deep breath. This practice is a simple invitation to pause, slow down and reconnect with the breath.
Breathing Shift is a gentle meditative breathing practice that is designed to help you return to your body and present moment. No matter where you are or what you are doing, this practice encourages relaxation, grounding and allowing your breath to guide back into ease.
To begin:
Find a comfortable position, sitting or lying down, and gently bring your attention to your breathe
Notice the connection of your body to the surface beneath you, your feet or sitting bones and settle into the present moment
Recall a positive memory and feel how it moves through your body as your breathe
Place your hand where you feel your breath most and simply notice the sensation
Shift briefly to a more difficult memory, noticing how your breath changes, then return back to the positive memory
Observe how your breath moves and flows, carrying this awareness with you throughout the day
Notice the subtle shifts in your body and your mind as you move through this practice. You can always return to your breath, it's a steady companion to bring you back to the presence. This practice is a gentle tool to support relaxation and grounding, but it is not a replacement for professional care if you are experiencing distress.
I’ve recorded a short video below to guide you through the practice. There’s nothing you need to do “right” - simply follow along in a way that feels supportive for you, and take this moment as it comes.
Written in collaboration with Apinayaa Thavakumaran
Written in collaboration with Apinayaa Thavakumaran