When I first started to practice yoga, I used this breath focus all the time. It was the only way I could stay in savasana for more than thirty seconds without going crazy (mostly because I hate the feeling of my heels resting on the floor, bed, sand, you name it, and yes I know that's weird). Luckily I've grown to love savasana and can stay in it for a very long time if permitted (as long as the room is warm enough). But I still use the breath focus on days when my mind just won't be quiet.
Our breathing is a stable solid ground that we can take refuge in. Regardless of our internal weather- our thoughts, emotions and perceptions- our breathing is always with us like a faithful friend. Whenever we feel carried away, or sunken in a deep emotion, or scattered in worries and projects, we return to our breathing to collect and anchor our mind.
We feel the flow of air coming in and going out of our nose. We feel how light and natural, how calm and peaceful our breathing functions. At any time, while we are walking, gardening, or typing, we can return to this peaceful source of life.
We may like to recite:
“Breathing in I know that I am breathing in.
Breathing out I know that I am breathing out.”
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