This video is about mindfulness in real life. In this video I'm going to teach
about mindful breathing and obviously I'm filming this in my kitchen because
let's be honest no one's watching YouTube from a Buddhist temple where
everything is peaceful and quiet at all times.
Mindfulness works because you can do it even in stressful environments.
Mindful breathing is an essential skill that when learned can be super helpful at
managing anxiety, depression, stress, overthinking, and bodily tension. It can
help you get centered and grounded in your body and it can also connect you to
your ability to be intentional instead of reactive. You can learn this skill in
two minutes, so let's go.
Start by settling into a comfortable position and close your eyes if you'd
like to. Now just notice that you're breathing. Notice what it feels like to
breathe, notice what you feel and expand your awareness to what you can hear what
you can smell. The purpose of this exercise is not to change how you
breathe but rather simply to bring attention to what it feels like. So pay
attention to that in breath and pay attention to the out-breath.
During this activity it's normal for your mind to wander off over and over.
When you notice that that has happened just gently bring your attention back to
the breath. There are going to be distractions and as you notice them,
remember that you can bring yourself back to awareness by noticing that
you're breathing. Be curious, what does it feel like to breathe? This is the gift of
the breath, it's an anchor for the present moment and it's always available
to help us get centered and present. You may find your mind wandering over and
over again and that's okay, the purpose of this exercise is not to be perfect or
do things perfectly but to simply notice again that you're breathing and what it
feels like.
Mindfulness is all about letting your senses so what you're feeling in your
body bring you to the present moment helping you be aware of where you are,
you are here. Mindfulness can be a practice where you stop doing what
you're doing or you can just bring awareness to your breath throughout the
day taking just a moment here and there to get connected.
Thank you for being willing to try this activity with me I
hope you found it helpful,
if you'd like to see more skills check out the link in the description.