Mindfulness practice is easy: it's just about being aware, which takes no effort. So if it's a struggle, just relax or try something else.

That said, it's good to know how to start, as described below.

Also please see the notes on Doing and Being and reflect on pausing with the busyness!

Doing and Being

Bringing attention to breathing is a simple way to stay present and improve the ability to focus.

Once you get used to simply observing the natural movement and sensation of the in-breath and out-breath, you can use this at any moment of the day to help you relax and centre.

The video and notes introduce this classic meditative technique, and variations on a theme.

You can use the guided meditations(on mp3) to listen to here or download to use any time.

Mindful breathing

Breathing -more techniques

5 minute guided breathing exercise:

10 minute guided breathing exercise:

The body is your early warning system - it registers emotional imbalance more quickly than the thinking brain, so the body scan is the key tool in developing emotional intelligence, giving us insight into our own feelings and in others.

See the videos and notes below.

Body awareness & body scan

Body scan 5 mins  

Body scan 10 mins