In this mindfulness practice, we ask that you do the following:
- Find a quiet place, close your eyes, and begin taking slow deep breaths through your nose.
- As you breathe, focus all your thoughts and attention on how the air feels as it comes into your nose and out of your nose or lips.
- As you breathe in and out, feel gratitude for your amazing brain that lets you think and choose; and repeat these focus words:
Breathing in, think: “I can think…” Breathing out, think: “…I can choose.” - Each time your attention wanders (and it will wander because that’s what minds do), gently bring it back to your breathing.
- If an Automatic Negative Thought reappears, dismiss it by saying: “ANTS lie, and they’re not worth the brain neurons they ride on.”Then mentally zap it away; and return your focus to your peaceful breath and words.