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Awareness Breathing 3 minutes · opener

Four, seven, eight

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Card 15 of 52

Put it on the board and read it out. Nothing to prepare.

Three people sitting cross-legged among plants, hands resting together

Illustration by RecipesforWellbeing.org, CC BY-NC 4.0

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On a busy morning, counting the breath gives your attention one place to rest. You can follow the pattern, shorten any count or breathe as you usually do.

Breathe in through your nose for a count of four, hold gently for seven if that is comfortable, and breathe out through your mouth for eight as though you were softly fogging a window.

The counts are only a guide. Make them shorter, go back to normal breathing or just watch if holding your breath does not suit you.

Carry on for three more rounds at your own pace while I keep the room quiet.

That’s the practice.

On your own, any time: “One Rhythm You Can Steer”, at recipesforwellbeing.org/framework

Listen for Breathing may be quiet or audible. Students who shorten the pattern or breathe normally are still taking part.

The skill of breathing. Using the breath to come into the present moment and connect with yourself.

What is your relationship with your breath? How might making breathing a more intentional part of each day support your wellbeing?

Try the interactive practice on this skill

When a day is busy, counting the breath can give your attention one place to rest. You can follow the pattern, shorten any count or simply breathe as usual.

Breathe in through your nose for four, hold gently for seven if that is comfortable, and breathe out through your mouth for eight.

The counts are a guide. Shorten them, go back to ordinary breathing or simply watch if holding your breath does not suit you.

Carry on for three more rounds at your own pace while I keep the time.

That’s the practice.

On your own, any time: “One Rhythm You Can Steer”, at recipesforwellbeing.org/framework

Watch for anyone who goes very still, tearful or far away. Do not single them out. Offer a break, or speak to them quietly afterwards.

The skill of breathing. Using the breath to come into the present moment and connect with yourself.

What is your relationship with your breath? How might making breathing a more intentional part of each day support your wellbeing?

Try the interactive practice on this skill

The skill of breathing

Using the breath to come into the present moment and connect with yourself.

Hear this skill read aloud
Read the whole postTry the interactive practiceReflect on this skill for yourself

Adapting it

Ages 13 to 15
Suggest counting on fingers under the desk, and remind students there is nothing to gain from stretching the counts past comfortable.
Ages 16 to 18
Explain that a longer, comfortable out-breath can help the body settle, without suggesting it works the same way for everyone.

If you have longer

There is a full lesson on this skill, about 40 minutes.

A pause you carry with you
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