Mindfulness Journal

Mindfulness Journal: Nurturing the Breath

“For those of us accustomed to experiencing everything from our heads, the breath invites us to a lower center of gravity. We let go of thinking for a time and come down to the belly. We feel the texture of the breath, its rising and falling, and the physical sensations of movement that accompany it. This helps synchronize body and mind, bringing us more into a mode of present-moment sensing. When we feel the breath, we feel the essence of being alive. This often feels good, even if we’re having a hard time” (Ed Halliwell “Why Mindfulness Meditation Begins with the Breath”).

Have you ever realized that you were unknowingly holding your breath? While we might initially consider attention to be a solely mental activity, or even mostly an activity done with the eyes, our breath is what allows us to focus and process information most effectively. Our breath reminds us that we are always a body and not simply a mind. Lots of research (Links to an external site.) supports the practice of mindful breathing (Links to an external site.) as key to mental and physical well-being, but, because breathing is also an involuntary action, we tend to take it for granted. We don’t spend any time developing our ability breathe with intention and purpose. (Athletes and regular meditators are notable exceptions to this).

For your second mindfulness journal, you will take on a breathing practice from the options listed below. Practice at least two times this week (preferably everyday) and keep note of how you feel throughout the week. In particular, note if your breathing practice has an impact on your ability to work and/or communication with family, friends, co-workers, or even yourself. Please write (or speak) 400-500 words about your experience

Subject: Humanities

It has some ted videos to watch, and some websites to learn:

https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_the_power_of_vulnerability?language=en

https://www.ted.com/talks/alexandria_peary_how_mindfulness_can_transform_the_way_you_write

https://www.writeyourscreenplay.com/podcast-tree-of-life-alternative-forms-of-structure/

https://www.mindful.org/6-ways-practice-mindful-eating/

https://www.mindful.org/daily-mindful-walking-practice/

https://www.mindful.org/three-simple-mindfulness-practices-you-can-use-every-day/

https://yogawithadriene.com/free-yoga-videos/pranayama/

I also think this journal needs to provide personal experience.

So thank you

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