The breath

[Guest guest]

I have a question for Steve.

I have been practicing mindful meditation along with Zinn's tapes and

his book. He talks about paying attention to your breathing as a way to

become present and mindful of what is going on right now. I believe

there has been research showing that deep breathing exercises are not

helpful for anxiety, and if used to distract from the anxiety, can be

harmful. My question would be: When I realise that I am not being

present and mindful, is it OK to focus on my breath as a starting

point, because I am breathing, without trying to manipulate the breath

or breathe my problems away? Then spread my awareness to the rest of my

body and what else is going on around me, right now in the present.

Thanks for all your time.

Greg