The foundation of learning to slow down and cultivating mindfulness, we stabilize the attention using the breath.
Why the breath?
The breath is closest to us, and is often immediately available and without fuss.
The predictable, certain and reliable pattern of breathing, where the in-breath would be followed by a pause and the outbreath, is a stabilising factor to achieve coherence within us.
Breathing rejuvenates our cells, fuels us, is a gift that continues because to live is to breathe.
So whenever you’re down, just breathe. Whenever you feel like reaching out for the next cookie, just breathe and slow down.
In Blackwater Woods (extract), Mary Oliver
To live in this world
you must be able
to do three things:
to love what is mortal;
to hold it
against your bones knowing
your own life depends n it;
and, when the time comes to let it go,
to let it go
Guide: Noelle Lim
Image credit: Neom, Unsplash
Kindermind Center 