Three minute breathing space

In our busy lives we often forget the present moment.  We lose touch with what our thoughts, feelings and sensations might be telling us, and they might be telling us that something needs to change.
 
I invite you to spend just three minutes getting back in touch with these thoughts, feelings and sensations, and I would be interested to hear how you got on.

Sit for a moment and let your breathing be the anchor to hold you in the present.  Just notice your breath, and do not try to change anything.  As you breathe –

1. You may become aware of thoughts bubbling up into your mind.  Let them bubble up, and do not try to change anything.  Just be aware of your thoughts, and consider that you are not your thoughts.  They do not define you, and they cannot harm you.  They are just thoughts.  If your mind wanders, let it and then gently bring your awareness back to your breathing, so that it anchors you in the present. 
2. You may become aware of sensations in your body, such as discomfort, tightness in certain parts.  Again, just notice these sensations and try not to do anything about them.  Gently bring your awareness back to your breathing so that it anchors you in the present. 
3. You may become aware of feelings, including frustration or anger, perhaps sadness.  Allow these feelings to bubble up and try not to change anything.  Just be aware of the feelings, and gently bring your awareness back to the present by focusing back on your breathing

​The most important aspect of this exercise is your experience of it.  If you experience thoughts of ‘mumbo jumbo nonsense’, a sensation like a tight steel ball in the pit of your stomach, or feelings of anger, that is already giving you more awareness than you may have been experiencing before the exercise.  Give it a try.  I would be interested to hear how you experience it.

Chris Warren-Dickins BACP Registered Counsellor
E:  chris@exploretransform.com
T:  07816681154
W: www.exploretransform.com