Introduction to Mindfulness_349810_bookemon_ebook.pdf Coaching and Practising Mindfulness | Page 129

between an in-breath and the following out-breath and between an
out-breath and the following in-breath.
As an alternative, if you prefer, focus on a place in the body where
you find the sensations of the breath most vivid and distinct (such as
the nostrils).
6. There is no need to try to control your breathing in any way –
simply let your body breathe by itself. As best you can, also bring this
attitude of allowing to the rest of your experience – there is nothing
that needs to be fixed, and no particular state to be achieved. As best
you can, simply surrender to your experience as it is, without
requiring that it be any different.
WORKING WITH THE MIND WHEN IT WANDERS
7. Sooner or later (usually sooner), the mind will wander away from
the focus on the breath sensations in the belly, getting caught up in
thoughts, planning, or daydreams, or just aimlessly drifting about.
Whatever comes up, whatever the mind is pulled to or absorbed by, is
perfectly okay. This wandering and getting absorbed in things is
simply what minds do; it is not a mistake or a failure. When you
notice that your awareness is no longer focused on the breath, you
might want to actually congratulate yourself because you’ve already
come back enough to know it. You are, once more, aware of your
experience.
You might like to briefly acknowledge where the mind has been
(noting what is on your mind and perhaps making a mental note:
“thinking, thinking” or “planning, planning” or “worrying,
worrying”). Then, gently escorting your attention back to the breath
sensations in the belly, as you bring your awareness to the feeling of
this in-breath or this out-breath, whichever is here as you return.
8. However often you notice that the mind has wandered (and this
will quite likely happen over and over and over again), each time take
note of where the mind has been, then gently escort your attention
back to the breath and simply resume attending to the changing
pattern of physical sensations that come with each in-breath and with
each out-breath.
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