Meditation Exercises

Thich Nhat Hanh - The Buddha and Enlightenment (others)

Exercise One: Breathing In, Breathing Out
In Breath, out breath stops the thinking. By thinking too much, we are not truly ourselves. Our body might be here, but our minds may be somewhere else - either in the future or the past. Being aware of your breathing allows one to combine body and mind in the present. Breath in, breath out will lead to mindfulness - being aware of what's going on. Obtaining oneness of body and mind, allows you to be there truly yourself. Everything that is wonderful and refreshing is in the present. Happiness, peace, and joy are found in the present moment.

Exercise Two: Flower Fresh
Breathing in I see myself as a flower; breathing out I feel fresh.

Smiling with the eyes and the mouth
Exercise Three: Mountain Solid
Controlling ones emotions; strong and steady
Exercise Four: Water Reflecting
Smooth water so that one can realize truth
Exercise Five: Space Free
Space is needed for the inside and out