No. 1 - Mindful Breath

This exercise can be done at any time during your day. It is simply a way of allowing yourself to have more mindful and conscious awareness of your body and its surroundings, your breath, and your capacity to relax. When our breathing becomes more slow and rhythmic, our muscles relax, and when our muscles relax, our mind relaxes.

Start to notice the breath as it enters your body through your nose and travels to your lungs. Notice as you exhale how the breath leaves your body through your mouth.

Don’t try to do anything with your breathing – simply notice it. Pay attention to it. Be aware of it. It doesn’t matter if your breathing is slow or fast, deep or shallow. Allow your body to do what it does naturally. Breathe in relaxation, breathe out tension.

You will start to notice that each time you breathe in, your stomach will expand and each time you breathe out your stomach will relax. Be aware of the physical sensations of breathing in, and breathing out. If you find that thoughts intrude, this is okay. Notice the thoughts, allow them to be, and gently bring your awareness back to your breath.