Mindfulness eJournal Exclusive Preview — When you’re tensed, stressed, or feeling irritated, mindfulness master Thich Nhat Hanh writes,
“half-smile at once. Inhale and exhale quietly, maintaining the half-smile for three breaths.”
This quote was my inspiration for The 3 breaths Journal. I’m sure you can see why! Ahhhhh….
The 3 Breath Technique
The 3 breath technique is as simple as it gets and anyone – and I mean absolutely – anyone can use it.
Even more exciting, there are no negative side-effects, no costs to incur, and the technique can be applied anywhere at home or in public.
This technique is life-changing because it brings your attention back to the present moment. It is also especially helpful when dealing with difficult emotions such as anger, frustration or irritation.
And incredibly, the benefit of the 3 breath technique can positively affect you personally, relationally, physically, mentally and even financially!
It’s simple.
It’s powerful.
It’s versatile.
Your task is to engage this breathing technique as often as possible throughout your day for one week. (There are simple instructions explaining how to do this below!)
If you choose to apply the 3 breath technique to your daily life, there is no doubt that you will reap amazing, positive results. These include less stress, anger, conflict and tension and more peace, joy, harmony, and love. I think that is exciting, and hope you agree.
How to Use the 3 Breath Technique
Your 1-week challenge is to:
- STOP yourself whenever you begin to feel stressed, tense, angry, upset, nervous, rushed, limited or any other negative emotion.
- Half smile at once (or full smile if you prefer).
- Take a deep breath — Inhale through the nose and exhale (twice as long, if possible, as the inhale) through your mouth. Repeat for a total of three breaths.
- Take a minimum of 5 minutes at the end of your day to reflect upon this simple technique and record in your journal how it has affected you and your life.
In addition to using the 3 breath technique to help you through those difficult or stressful moments in life, you may also choose to use it to address a specific issue in your life.
For example, if your focus is on health and fitness, use the 3 breaths technique before exercising or eating. Or, maybe your focus is on improving your finances. In this case, you should use this technique just before undertaking any financial transactions. Or you could choose a theme such as communication and decide to engage this technique before all your communications for the week. How you choose to apply the 3 breath technique is up to you.
Remember this — It is key that YOU apply this technique to your life in a way that fits YOUR needs, which means it is your choice how, when and how often you consciously engage in this 3 breaths technique.
Until next time, write and breath on… 🙂
Sincerely,
Jill
PS Keep an eye out for an email I’ll be sending to you soon with access to your FREE copy of this entire eJournal!
