A simple countdown timer that I made for Mindfulness Of Breath exercises (see below for basic exercise instructions)
- this timer can be used for other things as well, such as boiling an egg.
- optional alerts at intervals set by the user (to help those refocus if need be).
An example of a basic Mindfulness of Breath exercise:
- Sit somewhere comfortable where you can feel relaxed, but alert. You don't want to fall asleep for this.
- Close your eyes, or if you are tired, keep them open but just soften your gaze.
- Focus on the air flowing in and out your nostrils as you are breathing.
- Don't try and change your breathing, just observe it as it is.
- Every time you notice your mind has wandered, gently bring your focus back to your breath flowing in and out of your nostrils.
- If any thoughts or distractions come to your mind, don't fight them or get caught up in them (if you can help it), just simply notice them, but again bring your attention back to your breath.
- Start with only a few minutes if this exercise is difficult.
- The point *isn't* to empty one's mind, but to *actively focus* one's attention for a period of time on something specific - in this case one's breath.
