Written by:

Updated on:

March 18, 2020

Gil Fronsdal leads an Anapanasati 4 Forms of Mindfulness of Breathing. There are different kinds of awareness and here are 4 different approaches.

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How we can be aware is very variable.

As you breathe in more deeply in a simple gentle way. Feel the lifting and stretching of the rib cage, lifting of the shoulders. As you breathe out, experience whatever sense of release or relaxing. Settling back of the torso, the rib cage, and the shoulders.

As you exhale, see if you can let go of your thoughts, so you can better feel your breathing.

And letting your breathing return to normal, and with the normal breath, do the same thing, feeling the lifting of the rib cage, the torso, the shoulders, as you settle on the exhale.

There's a rhythm of expanding and contracting, lifting and falling, inhaling and exhaling. See if you can tune in to that rhythm. If it's fast or slow. Deep or shallow. Comfortable or uncomfortable.

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About the author 

Sean Fargo is a mindfulness teacher and founder of Mindfulness Exercises, a global platform offering evidence‑based resources and teacher certification. A former Buddhist monk in the Thai Theravada tradition, he bridges contemplative wisdom with modern psychology to make mindfulness practical at work and in life. Sean has taught alongside Jack Kornfield and supported leaders at organizations such as Reddit, PG&E, and DocuSign. Through online trainings, guided meditations, and mentorship, he has helped thousands of educators, clinicians, and coaches bring mindfulness to diverse communities. Sean’s mission is simple and ambitious: expand access to authentic, science‑informed practice while cultivating compassion, clarity, and resilience. Today, Mindfulness Exercises serves millions with free and premium tools, empowering individuals and teams to lead with presence and purpose.

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