There are five reasons why breathing may be a key component of mindfulness meditation.
- For starters, breath is still there, open, and accessible to all, making it an ideal meditation object.
- Second, understanding that we breathe represents our self-awareness, so air is inextricably tied to self-consciousness.
- Third, air is a scientifically observable visible indicator of happiness.
- Fourth, our limited capacity to change our breathing tells us that, though we are change agents, we are still a part of a mechanism outside our grasp.
- Finally, since breathing is so natural, it acts as a built-in "trainer" of consciousness, providing continuous practice in concentrating it, losing attention, and regaining it.
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You may also want to read more about Mindfulness Meditation and Healing here.