Aids to Mindfulness of Breathing

Counting Count the gaps between the out breath and the next in breath
Count only up to 8
If you get distracted, start again at 1
If you get to 8, start again at 1
Word or Words Use 2 words like "Peace" and "Love"
Think "Peace" on the in breath; "Love" on the out breath
Use a word with 2 syllables like "Buddho"
Think "Bud" on the in breath; "dho" on the out breath
Visualization Visualize an ocean wave coming in on the in breath,
Visualize the wave going out on the out breath
Parts of the Breath Notice (not note!) the beginning, middle & end of the in breath
Notice the gap
Notice the beginning, middle & end of the out breath
Notice the gap
Lenghts of the Breaths Is this in breath longer or shorter than average?
Is this out breath longer or shorter than average?
Is every long in breath followed by a long out breath?
Is every short in breath followed by a short out breath?