This is a guided practice recorded during teacher Anne Muhlethaler’s 21 Days of Mindfulness and Loving Kindness program.
Anne warmly invites us to embark on a journey of cultivating mindfulness. With a posture that balances alertness and relaxation, Anne encourages us to find comfort and readiness before inviting us to set an intention.
Anne then gently guides us to release tension in our bodies, with a sense of ease and receptivity to the present moment, and brings our attention to converge on the breath, serving as our steadfast anchor throughout the practice. With each inhalation and exhalation, she invites us to explore the subtle sensations, whether at the nostrils, chest, or abdomen, with curiosity and interest.
As thoughts naturally arise, Anne reminds us that they are not the enemy but part of our human experience. This elemental practice is all about noticing when we get distracted, letting go of the passing thoughts before guiding our awareness back to the breath, honing our capacity for mindfulness. Being present with all that arises, we use the breath as our anchor, without judging ourselves or pushing anything away from our experience.