Introduction
We're going to step through the Full Awareness of Breathing as taught in the Plum Village tradition. It is comprised of 16 steps. Interspersed will be additional meditations and practices to give us a foundation so we can explore the awareness of each step and prepare us for the next. Each step is a very personal experience and is meant to be valued, treasured and deeply appreciated because you discover yourself. There is never a need to move with expectation or with speed. Just be and enjoy being. For me, I spent about a year just being content with knowing I'm breathing in and breathing out. There is so much joy and peace in just mindfully breathing. After that time period, I felt curious about the next step and I began exploring it.
The joy and peace one experiences in their first meditation is the same joy and peace one experiences in their last. Peace and joy in the moment always feels full. So if you're self awareness has just cracked or it is as wide as the universe, your awareness will be filled to the brim with overflowing peace and joy. Feeling full with peace and joy is always the same, a coming home smile flowers across your face. So be happy just being.
Mindfully Breathing with Flowering Smiles podcast was created to follow each online meditation.
The 16 Steps of Mindful Breathing
The first four steps are focused on the body.
Steps 1 & 2, I am aware of my in breathe | I am aware of my out breathe
Steps 3 & 4, I am aware of my body | I calm my body
The next four are focused on feelings.
Steps 5 & 6, Feeling Joyful | Feeling Happy
Steps 7 & 8, Aware of Feelings and Thoughts | Calm my Feelings
The third set of four are focused on the mind.
Steps 9 & 10, Concentration Our Mind | Liberate Our Mind
Steps 11 & 12, Concentration Our Mind | Liberate Our Mind
The last four are focused on the objects of the mind.
Steps 13 & 14, Contemplate Impermanence | Letting Go of Desire
Steps 15 & 16, Contemplate Nirvana | Let Go of All Notions
Resources
Resources for practicing the 16 exercises of mindful breathing can be found on the Plum Village App team's page.