The breath is a powerful tool to anchor you into the present moment, to pull you into stillness, and to balance out your energy and emotions. Use this breath practice when you want to reset and feel more balanced.

TO PRACTICE:

Begin to notice your natural breath as it occurs. Do not try and force your breathing in any way. As you focus on your breath let any thoughts dissolve. Softening the body with each breath. Inhaling slowly through your nose, exhaling gently out of your nose. Now take notice of the length of your inhale and see if you can gradually begin to match it to your exhale. You can begin by counting for a total of 4 as you inhale and counting for 4 as you exhale. With each breath add one count to the inhale and equalize it with the exhale. Breathing in for 5, letting it all go for 5. Continue with this breath pattern until you have reached 8. With smooth long inhales and slow and steady exhales. Continue this breathing for another minute. By practicing this way of breathing you start to take the focus off of your thoughts and on the counting of your breath. As your breathing becomes more balanced, so too does your mind. Your body is renewed with fresh clean energy – calming your nervous system and allowing a feeling of bliss to take over.

Try this practice whenever you feel a bit off in your day, when you want to pause and collect yourself, or simply to improve your health and well-being.