The first step in developing a mindfulness practice is awareness of breathing.
It’s important to understand we call this a “practice” because that is what it is, now and forever. We don’t aspire to perfection or mastery of anything. It’s about developing a willingness to stop and be.
We practice mindfulness to cultivate awareness and self-compassion in order to bring compassion and healing to others.
We begin by noticing that we are breathing. There is no correct way of breathing. There is no breathing technique. We notice what it feels like to breathe.
The simple act of following the breath in and out helps to calm the body and mind. This slows the rate at which stress hormones flow through the bloodstream. And helps us to think more clearly.
