Transcription
Let’s begin by taking a moment to settle your body into a comfortable position. You may close your eyes or keep them slightly open with a soft focus, looking downward with your feet in front of you. Allow your spine to lift and your shoulders to soften (2 seconds).
Today we will practice focused attention.
During this meditation, you will focus on your breath.
Think of a metaphor of resting a snow globe or a jar of muddy water onto a table.
As we let it settle, it naturally becomes more calm and clear.
The mind is similar.
As we focus attention on the breath, the mind and body begin to relax, settle, and become more clear and feel more free (5 seconds).
Taking a full breath in and a long slow breath out (2 seconds).
Observe your breathing. Notice how your breath flows in and out.
Make no effort to change your breathing in any way.
Simply notice how your body breaths (2 seconds).
Notice the rise and fall of your chest as the air passes in and out (2 seconds).
Bring attention to a slow inhale and a long slow exhale (2 seconds).
When your attention wanders, as it will, focus again on your breathing.
Notice if any thoughts arise but don't hold onto them.
Simply let the thoughts pass and bring your attention back to your breath (2 seconds).
Notice the stages of a complete breath. From the inbreath (2 seconds),
to the subtle pause (2 seconds), the exhale (2 seconds),
and the pause before taking another breath.
See the slight breaks between each breath.
Feel the air entering through your nose.
See it in your mind's eye, flowing through the nose, and then down to your lungs.
Feel the lungs expand as they fill with air and relax again through the exhale (5 seconds).
As thoughts arise, simply allow them to pass and return your attention to your breathing (5 seconds).
Let's finish now with a full deep breath in (2 seconds)
and a long slow breath out (2 seconds) *ding* (15 seconds).
Integrated Practice:
Try a mindful listening practice today. In your next conversation or meeting, practice putting all of your attention on the person(s) with whom you are speaking.
Reflection Questions:
What impact does bringing your full attention to a conversation have on you or those around you?
When I gave my full attention to listening to my husband, I realized he was seen AND heard. It created a connection between us in the moment that we don’t always have when our conversations are more passive.
Hardening back to earlier, I tried to do a full unguided body scan but found myself too distracted by other thoughts to get past my ankles. My quest continues!
I don’t really enjoy writing in the worksheets, just asking is it neccessery for effects?, or can I just focus on meditating?
Im on my 8th day, I enjoyed the breathe in kept me focus on my meditation. I’m enjoy all of the meditations. thank you. Blessings for your kindness.
i fell asleep
I don’t think that it does impact people around you.
Mr Sean,
I never realized I would enjoy this challenge so much. I cherish each and every challenge which helps me introspect and to reflect on my day non-judgementally. it also releases any pent up negatives emotions that are residing as a result i feel fresh on a daily basis.
thank you.
i feel better after this
doing my homework made me dedicated.
This lesson had soooo many great guides. Thank you!
Hi Sean: Just wanted to tell you I just did the #9 step of whole body breathing and I am just amazed at how it makes you feel! Just wanted to say thank you to you for this course.
I’m so happy to hear that, Donna!