On breath and mindfulness.

We often take the breath for granted ... until we can't breathe, or we have a cold, or there are masks involved that make it more challenging to breathe, etc. Despite what is going on, the breath is always there. Constantly coming in and going out of the body. We are being breathed.

Jon Kabat-Zinn so eloquently says, "...our breathing can serve as a convenient first object of attention to bring us back into the present moment, because we are only breathing now - the last breath is gone, the next one hasn't come yet - it is always a matter of this one. It is an ideal anchor for our wayward attention."

The breath keeps us present, a link to the here and now. The self inquiry then becomes ... Can you be fully present for the felt experience of breathing?

As you start to bring more awareness to your breath, I encourage you to get really curious. Simply observing the biomechanics of how you breathe - what muscles are working, softening, notice if the breath is moving to certain parts of your body (or lack of), anything and everything about this flow. Notice the moments when the breath flows freely. Check in with what you are doing and how you are carrying yourself when you can breathe with a sense of ease. Do the same process of observation when it’s challenging to breathe or when the breath quickens. As you move through this practice, that reminder that it’s all from a place of non-judgement. Perhaps you make some mental notes for yourself, or take pen to paper, but notice if patterns start to arise. It’s simply information and gaining awareness surrounding your breath.

Some of my own personal examples ….

My breath quickens every time I get in my vehicle.

My breath slows down when I sit on the grass in the sunshine.

Of course these are some obvious examples, but I encourage you to start to notice what happens in your own life. Your breath can give you a lot of information on how the present moment experience is impacting you physically, mentally and emotionally. Mindful awareness to the breath not only keeps you present, but it’s an opportunity to learn about yourself.

Practice on, friends.

In love, light + with gratitude,

Nicole