Meditating on the breath is one of the simplest contemplative techniques and it’s also one of the most profound. Because the breath is always with us, it serves as an anchor into the present moment, which we can tap into at any given time. The breath is always fresh. Paying attention to the breath physiologically grounds us and has a soothing effect on the body and mind. When meditating on the breath, the idea is to relinquish all thoughts as you focus on your inhales and exhales. Emptying the mind can be difficult in practice, but the guided meditation above can help you get started. Watch the video to ease into the present moment and better understand this wonderful technique.

Related: Why the Breath is Perfect

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