Savor the Sounds Around You
We often think that meditation requires peace and quiet, but you can also use sounds as the object of your focus. This meditation helps you recognize sounds as they come and go, without labeling them as ‘annoying’ or ‘disruptive.’ Find a spot outside to sit or lay down and notice what you can hear: children playing, lawn mowers humming, birds rustling in the trees. With mindfulness, you can shift your relationship to these sounds.
Breathe in Fresh Air
There’s nothing more calming than taking a deep breath of fresh air. This meditation leads you through a cycle of long, conscious breaths by breathing in for a count of three, and breathing out through a count of five. Repeating this pattern triggers your body’s relaxation response, putting both your mind and body at ease. You can use this meditation any time you notice stress building, or if you simply want to feel more relaxed.
