Exercise: The mindfulness of breathing (4 stages)

[Peter]

You're welcome, Mike. Very nice to hear that you found it helpful.
Thanks for the feedback!
Peter

[spikedhoney]

That's pretty cool that your first step is similar to my first step. When I'm trying to relax and get into my meditation, that's the first thing I do! Going to try out your other 3 points.

[JonW]

'When I'm trying to relax and get into my meditation...'

Trying to relax is not what mindfulness is about. It is not about achieving a particular state. It is about being with what is. Relaxation can be a pleasant by-product of that, but it definitely isn't the goal. Mindfulness is not a goal-oriented practice.
Cheers,
Jon

Jon teaches meditation/mindfulness in Brighton, UK, and worldwide via his online course.
http://brightonmindfulnesscentre.com/sk … s-courses/

[Happyogababe]

Practiced this today. Did each stage for longer than the first time I tried it, I found it really grounding, especially the stages 1 & 2. I'm unsure how long I was in stage 3, I think it was a good amount of time, some thoughts began to emerge so I observed them, though didn't start a dialogue (which I have fallen into doing recently) which I was happy about. Stage 4 was intense, I was very aware of the tip of my nose (it felt big actually) and the breath passing in and out. I stayed here till the bell chimed to end the sit (30 minutes) and it felt like I needed a while longer.

This was just what I needed today. Thanks.

[tcabril]

This is surprisingly harder than it first appears - kiddos to those who can do this!