Right under your nose

by Maryann Marks

I have been experimenting with my mindfulness practice, making more effort to get deeper in the practice, more settled in. I usually pay attention to my belly. Taking deep breaths in the belly brings my concentration back when my thoughts wonder off. Believe me, my thoughts wander off more than I care to admit.

The other day, I started paying attention to the breathing in the nostrils. It is a practice I have known about for a long time and used in the past. For some reason, I began to put my attention on the breath coming in and out of the nose, and was able to stay focused for a longer period of time without the stream of thoughts barraging me.

I’ve been thinking about this and the saying, “It’s right under your nose” came to mind. We look far and wide for the answer and usually it’s right under our nose. The things we lose are often right “under our nose”. The way to keep from getting lost in my thoughts was right under my nose.

As you begin to use the mindfulness practice, I hope you experiment with what will bring your attention back and find your doorway into a more extended period of silence. Most people really enjoy the moments when the thoughts quiet down and a peaceful experience is found.

I have found that spending time in silence has helped me in all areas of my life. I encourage you to gently find your way into this practice and see if your life begins to become more manageable.