Getting to Know the Breath

By Michelle Morrison

In this meditation, we'll work with the breath in different ways - in movement, in breathing exercises, and by simply observing the breath - in order to observe the effects on our body-mind.

There are good reasons why the breath has traditionally been a favored object of meditation: it is accessible, portable, ever-changing, and always in the now.

And we know from experience that our breathing and our mental state have a reciprocal relationship: if we are angry, depressed, or anxious, our breathing becomes rapid, ragged, or shallow; if we are in a relaxed, happy, or grateful, our breathing becomes rhythmic and fuller. When we're upset, someone might suggest we "take a deep breath," to switch our focus, ground us in the present, and calm our emotions.

The moment we become mindful of the breath, the mind ceases to wander and the mind and body are united. In meditation, sustained mindfulness of the breath can take us into a deep place of relaxation where awareness expands, and we might sense there is more room to observe sensations, emotions, or thoughts from a place of equanimity.

In this session, we begin with breathing while moving through gentle stretches. Breathing exercises start at 2:10, and guided meditation on the breath starts at 10:38.