The Art of Being Fully Present

When we are fully present, we:

• have an increased awareness of and appreciation for people we interact with
• experience both improved communication and improved relationships
• increase our patience with and understanding of others
• improve our concentration and ability to focus on one thing; the end result is increased efficiency and productivity

The following exercise will help you be fully present as you breathe.  I find it especially helpful if someone leads me through this so that all I have to do is follow the prompts, but I suppose a person could memorize the steps and walk themselves through.  I think you will be amazed at the affect.  Here goes...

Sit in a quiet place and focus your full attention on your breath.  Inhale deeply, filling your lungs completely.  Exhale completely, allowing your body to relax and releease downward with gravity.  Be aware of the coolness of the air as it enters your nostrils.  Notice your abdomen, diaphragm and lungs expand as the air fills them.  Notice your body melt downward with gravity, slowly releasing tension as the air is slowly released from your body.  Notice the pause between breaths.  Feel your heart beat.  When you become aware that your thoughts are wandering, gently return your attention to your breath.  Focus and re-focus your attention on your breath.  Sigh completely.

Ahh...