This week, at odd moments in the day and for a period while you are sitting or lying, rest the hand lightly on the diaphram or abdomen and notice the movement as the breath goes in and out.
Breathing in, I am aware that I am breathing in
Breathing out, I know that I am breathing out
(*Thich Nhat Hanh)
Reflect on the fact that we can control the breath - holding it, breathing faster or slower - but only for short periods at a time. How fortunate that we do not have to be focused at all times in order to breathe! However we may feel at any time - well, ill, joyful, sad, worried, relaxed - our breathing has continued from the moment of our birth right up to this present moment and, for the most part, without our active input into the process.
Spend a few moments contemplating how precious, vital, each breath is to you - imagine for a moment how you would feel if the next breath was to be your last. Allow yourself to feel gratitude for the process of breathing:
Breathing in, my body is nurturedBreathing out, I give thanks for my breath
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