Keep breathing attention optional · S4.19

Choose a focus that does not require breath control

You want a pause while thinking or speaking about an ordinary issue.

Everyday practice

Try these steps

1. Decide whether a neutral external detail would be a comfortable focus.
2. Notice that detail while letting breathing happen naturally.
3. Return to the topic, ask for a pause, or stop rather than forcing a breath pattern to continue.

An example

I look at the edge of the page before deciding whether to keep writing.

Reflect

Was the focus useful without adding another task?

Next time

Use a different kind of pause if this does not suit you.