I am Breathing In

Breathing. It can be effortless and it can be full of effort. We can direct our breath and we can just let it be. The breath carries energy. It shares in our emotions. The breath carries nutrients to our body and takes away excess. A sigh can indicate frustration but also relief. To study the breath is to study the unique nature of ourselves.

Our inhale expands our lungs, increases the space in our chest cavity and brings vitality and energy into each cell in our bodies. Let's take this week to explore the space of our inhale.

Our mantra for the week is...

I am breathing in and I am breathing out, and in this moment, that is enough

As I breathe in, I am calm

Breathing in, I know I am breathing in

Our journaling prompt is…

What quality of breath are you experiencing right now?

What qualities of the breath do you enjoy?

When you practice meditation this week, invite in a quality of your breath that you would like to experience. Write about your experience.

And our meditation is...

Find a comfortable seat.

Allow your body to relax. Inhaling and exhaling through the nose. Say "I am breathing in. I am breathing out." for 7-10 breaths. With each exhale feel the body relax a little more.

As you feel the body relax, you may come in and out of awareness of the breath, how the body is feeling. You may find yourself lost in thought. Let all this happen naturally. Allow emotions to rise and fall. Welcome in the whole experience.

Listen. Be with the experience of the inhale.

I am breathing in. And I know I am breathing in.

I am breathing in. Breathing in makes me calm.

I am breathing in. Breathing in brings me to the present moment.

As I breath in, I am aware of my whole body.

As I breathe in, I am aware of my thoughts.

As I breathe in, I am aware of my mind.

As I breathe in, I am aware of the infinite nature of the universe.

As I breathe in, I let go.

Breathe deeply here. What insight comes up as you experience the inhale? What do you want to remember from this experience? Take a moment to express gratitude for the wisdom of your breath.

Pause and allow yourself plenty of time to slowly return to your day.