Counting the breath
Counting from one to ten on the exhales — a simple way to hold the mind.
Focus and concentration5–15 minutes
Finished the practice?
Marking it adds the session to “My progress”.
Purpose and effect
Quickly gathers scattered attention; works well when you are tired.
Step-by-step instructions
- 1Sit and let the breath settle.
- 2Count on each exhale: one, two… up to ten.
- 3When you reach ten, start again.
- 4Lost count? Simply start from one.
Recommended duration
5–15 minutes. Start smaller: a short regular practice works better than rare long sessions.
How to hold attention and come back
Losing the count signals that the mind wandered. Note it without judgement and begin again.
How to finish the practice
Let go of the counting and sit for a minute with the breath.