One of the fundamental tools of yoga and meditation is maintaining a connection between mind and breath. Or, put another way, to have some part of your mind aware of the breath, as it moves in and out of the body, even as you are engaged in other things.
The breath is a sensitive instrument to indicate the quality of your experience. It changes when you are frightened, excited, calm, anxious, tense, worried, focused, agitated, relaxed. It is an almost magical connector between mind and emotions, because just as the breath reflects what is happening to you, the mind can influence (I'm intentionally not saying control) the breath, and the quality of the breath can educe the corresponding physical and emotional state.
Consciously calming the breath, slowing and lengthening it, can bring more ease to the body and mind. More rapid, energetic breathing can heighten senses and alertness.
All that as a bit of an introduction to the simple topic for today. I am breathing constantly, and the breath is always happening in the present. Keeping a connection between my mind and my breath keeps my mind in the present as well. Keeping my mind in the present lets me experience life more fully, and helps me find and stay in the flow state I described yesterday.
I've come to appreciate the value of making that connection as soon after I rise in the morning as possible. The first few minutes are sometimes a bit groggy, but as my awareness rises and senses my swirling, unfocused mind, I know it's time to connect, to plug in. I often turn to the simple practice I described a few days ago - Yoga, Short and Sweet, and then carry that awareness with me the rest of the day.
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