In this lesson, you’ll discover how paying attention to your breathing can reveal how your body responds in different situations. This awareness is the first step and the foundation for learning to work with your breath.

IN THIS LESSON

Notice your breath

Most of the time, we don’t think about our breathing. It happens automatically while we work, study, or go about our day.

However, our breathing often changes depending on the situation we are in. When we feel relaxed, the breath may be slow and steady. When we are concentrating or under pressure, it may become faster or more shallow.

The first step in learning to work with the breath is simply becoming aware of it.

When you begin paying attention to your breathing, you may notice that it changes depending on what you are doing and how you feel. Becoming aware of these patterns is the foundation for learning how to work with your breath more intentionally.

Exercise:

Take a moment right now and simply notice your breathing.

There is nothing you need to change. Just observe.

You might ask yourself:

  • Am I breathing through my nose or mouth?

  • Is my breathing slow or fast?

  • Do I feel the breath more in my chest or in my abdomen?

There is no right or wrong answer. The goal is simply to notice.

Over the next day or two, try noticing your breathing in a few different situations - while working, studying, speaking with someone, or during a stressful moment.

If you’d like, you can download the PDF below and jot down a few observations about what you notice.

Download PDF