Therapy for self-understanding, authenticity and personal growth.
What Makes it Happen
Brain Breathing
A three-minute practice for clarity, calm and confidence.
A little breathing space, whenever you feel you could do with some.
What is Brain Breathing?
Brain Breathing is a simple exercise I developed around something we already do, without giving it much thought: breathing.
It brings together attention, natural breathing and a little imagination.
As you breathe in, you imagine something fresh and helpful entering your mind. As you breathe out, you imagine letting go of whatever feels unhelpful.
There's no complicated technique to master and no particular breathing rhythm you have to follow.
You simply notice your breathing and allow your imagination to become part of the experience.
How does it work?
Begin by finding somewhere comfortable and bringing your attention to your breathing.
As you breathe in naturally, imagine the air bringing freshness, energy or a little healing light with it.
Imagine that freshness travelling towards your forehead and washing through your mind, reaching all those places where your thoughts and feelings seem to live.
As you breathe out, imagine that movement reversing, gently carrying away the thoughts, feelings or worries you would rather not hold on to.
Of course, air doesn't literally travel through the brain. This is an imaginative exercise. What matters is the experience you create for yourself.
You might imagine colours, light, a feeling of freshness or simply a sense of movement. There isn't a correct way to experience it.
Letting go
Sometimes our minds become crowded with thoughts, worries and feelings that seem to demand our attention.
Brain Breathing gives you a few moments to imagine putting some of that down.
You don't have to make anything disappear, and you don't have to force yourself to feel calm.
Just breathe, imagine, and notice whatever happens.
What if my mind wanders?
It will. That's what minds do.
You might find yourself thinking about something you need to do, remembering an awkward conversation or wondering whether you're doing the exercise properly.
None of that means you've failed.
When you notice your attention has wandered, simply bring it back to your breathing and begin again.
In fact, noticing that you've become distracted is part of the practice.
Give Brain Breathing a try
I've put together a short introductory video and a guided audio companion to help you experience Brain Breathing for yourself.
The introductory video — approximately 7½ minutes
An explanation of the exercise, how to approach it and what to remember as you practise.
The guided audio companion — approximately 5 minutes
A guided experience you can listen to whenever you'd like some help settling into the exercise.
The practice itself is designed to take just three minutes. You might try it in the morning, afternoon and evening, or simply return to it at moments when you feel you could do with a little breathing space.
Get free access to Brain Breathing
Sometimes, all we need is a little breathing space.
Enter your details below and I'll send you a link to the introductory video and guided audio companion.
It's completely free, and there's no need to create an account.
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There's no need to register again. Just find your original Your Brain Breathing Resources email and use the link to return whenever you like. If you've bookmarked the resources page, you can also go straight there.