breath practice

The Long Out-Breath

3 · 5 · 10 min4 steps

Before you begin

Sit with a straight but easy back. Nothing to achieve here except breathing out fully.

The practice, step by step — read it all first if you like

  1. Settle

    Take three ordinary breaths and let the body arrive.

    about 45 seconds

  2. Extend

    Breathe in for four counts and out for eight, gently emptying without straining.

    about 150 seconds

  3. Release with breath

    On each long out-breath, silently name something you are setting down — or just let it go unnamed.

    about 150 seconds

  4. Rest

    Return to natural breathing and rest in the cleared space.

    about 60 seconds

Accessibility

Counts are guides, not targets; breathe at whatever pace is comfortable.

How long do you have?

Or read through it quietly above, at your own pace.