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Meditation:Watching the Breath 

         

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  • Meditation: Soft Pause10:00
    Meditation: Soft Pause

    Nikita Akilapa

    In the final part in our Introduction to Meditation Series, we start to watch the top and the bottom of our breath. You'll notice that there are round edges to the inhale and exhale, where each breath gently reaches a peak and then gives rise to the next. Either simply watch these spaces between breaths or gently hold for a moment at the top of each inhale, and pause for a moment at the bottom of the exhale.



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  • Meditation Series Introduction00:56
    Meditation Series Introduction

    Nikita Akilapa

    A really accessible introduction to meditation comprising five short breath based meditation classes to help you land in the present moment and move into your body. Using the breath is a very simple anchor for your thoughts and can be an easy way to start meditation. Each meditation invites you to focus on the breath in a different way. Be aware of the thoughts that creep into your mind. They will inevitably come, but when they do, try not to engage with them. Simply notice and observe them in a detached way. Acknowledge them and let them go. See them and send them on. If you find yourself being drawn off on a narrative, be compassionate toward yourself and simply bring yourself gently back to the breath. Remember, there is no failure; only meditating. The act of meditating is to mindfully watch the thoughts, rather than to carelessly engage with them. You are winning by even attempting the exercise.



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  • Meditation: Exploring the Breath14:09
    Meditation: Exploring the Breath

    Nikita Akilapa

    In the fourth part in our Introduction to Meditation Series with Nikita, we learn how to explore breath patterns as a means to change the way we feel. Allow the exhale to be twice as long as the inhale to give the body a chance of releasing all the old, to make space for the fresh new oxygenated air to flow in fully. Start at an equal breath (e.g. inhale for six seconds and exhale for six seconds) then increase gradually to a ratio of 1:1.5 (e.g. inhaling for six seconds and exhaling for nine seconds). Eventually, breathing to a ratio of 1:2 (e.g. inhaling for six and exhaling for 12 seconds). Maintain for up to about 20 breaths and then return to normal breath. If you are asthmatic, you may find that it's tricky to get to the full 1:2 ratio at first, in which case stay at 1:1.5. This is another great technique you might want to use as a tool to anchor an anxious mind any time you feel overwhelmed.



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