There are so many types of breathwork and so many ways to meditate ~
and even more ways to pair them.
Before I found yoga, I remember trying listening/walking meditations and body scans to help me feel present. I tried these things before the flashbacks started (see journaling page). My intuition was already guiding me toward toward ways to feel safe.
Take a deep breath ...in...and...out...
your breath is powerful.
When I've had a meditation practice, I would sometimes notice at random times that I was more aware of my physical body. It turned out that, for years, I wasn't present most of the time and hadn't known it.
During these meditations, I would name a physical part of myself that I was able to feel, take a full breath (in/out) and notice if I felt safe.
In those moments I would continue breathing and then focus on how my breath felt, noticing any thoughts that came up and allowing them to exit (blew them out on exhale) without mentally engaging. It can be so hard. But! I started noticing I felt "quieter" with more focus on breathing.
This practice is cumulative. No matter how many times you "stop" and "restart", you aren't starting over again. It's more of a pause and resume...with benefits always accumulating.
Slow down, breathe, and notice.
Fun freebie! Ten seconds of nature no matter where you are ~
press play and take a deep breath...
Visit StudioKatieB on YouTube!
You'll find more resources, recordings of some services and content from teachers who have guided and inspired me.
