How to relax

AWARENESS OF BREATHING Your breathing is a stable, solid ground where you can take refuge. No matter what thoughts, emotions, and perceptions are going on inside you, your breath is always there, like a faith¬ful friend. Whenever you're carried away by thinking, overwhelmed by strong emotions, or feeling restless and dispersed, return to your breathing. Bring body and mind together and anchor your mind. Become aware of the air coming in and going out of your body. With awareness of the breath, our breathing natu¬rally becomes light, calm, and peaceful. At any time of the day or night, whether you're walk¬ing, driving, working in the garden, or sitting at the computer, you can return to the peaceful refuge of your own breath. Excerpted from How to Relax by Thich Nhat Hanh All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.