Podcast Summary
Focusing on the breath in meditation: Improve mindfulness and well-being through portable, accessible practice of focusing on breath in meditation
Meditation, specifically focusing on the breath, is a simple yet effective practice that can be done anywhere, at any time, without requiring any specific beliefs or background. Sharon Salzberg, a renowned meditation teacher, guides us through this foundational exercise. By focusing on the natural flow of the in and out breath, we can improve our mindfulness and overall well-being. It's a portable and accessible practice that doesn't require any special equipment or location. So whether you're new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, give it a try and notice the subtle changes it brings to your daily life.
Recognizing Distractions and Practicing Kindness: During meditation, recognize distractions with kindness rather than judgment for self-growth and progress.
During meditation practice, when we get distracted or realize we've fallen asleep, it's essential to approach ourselves with kindness rather than judgment. The moment of recognition is a chance for growth and not a time for self-condemnation. If we find ourselves being harsh towards ourselves, we should try to soften our inner voice. It's through compassion that we make the most progress. Remember, it's normal to get distracted and have to start over many times. It's all part of the practice. So, let go of judgement, begin again, and keep practicing. When you feel ready, you can open your eyes or lift your gaze to end the session. For more meditation practices, download the 10% Happier app and listen to Sharon's full conversation on the podcast. And don't forget to fill out a short survey at Wondery.com/survey to tell us about yourself.