5 Minute Mindful Breathing Meditation

To begin this guided breathing meditation, let the breath be natural.

When your body feels ready, you may softly close your eyes.

With your eyes closed, take a moment to notice the breath you already have.

First, simply noticing inhale as it arrives, without pulling it, without making it athletic.

This is not training. It is acquaintance. The breath can stay ordinary and still be worthy.

What else do you notice in the shape of a single cycle?

What is it like to meet the inhale as a guest, not as a drill?

You can let the exhale be a longer goodbye, a slow leaving, without forcing the lungs.

There is nothing to win with air. Breathing can be unimpressive and complete.

Soften the jaw. Soften the belly. Let the shoulders ride the breath instead of steering.

And letting the breath be itself.

Continue now with natural rhythm, as well as that longer farewell on the way out.

Inhale as it comes. Exhale as a goodbye. Then a small rest, empty of technique.

Thoughts may keep moving. You do not have to pace them to a count.

Keeping your eyes closed, allow your awareness to include ribs, belly, and quiet nostrils.

As if air is doing most of the work, and you are only willing to feel it.

There is nothing to perfect. There is this cycle, already happening.

If your mind wanders, that is okay. Return to the next unforced inhale.

Being connected to natural breath, longer goodbye, and this short stretch of air.

You let breathing be possible. Including the unevenness.

Now let your attention travel back. Roll the shoulders. Wiggle the fingers.

Take this unforced breath with you, as you slowly open your eyes.