Count and Breathe

One of the practices that remained with me after the Yoga Trek in Nepal that we took in March 2012 is to count backwards from 37 to 0 while paying attention to my breathing, not manipulating it, just paying attention to it. If I loose track of the numbers, I have to start again at 37. I manage to complete the counting from 37 to 0 in one go now, and when I struggle it is usually a sign that the mind monkeys are chattering too much. This is a great practice to lull the noisy troop into a deep sleep (I am grateful if they just settle on taking a nap as well). I do this several times a day now when I need a break, refocus or chill and take a step back. I also do it once G has fallen asleep (maybe it is silent prayer that I am thankful that I've survived another day of motherhood and all it's challenges :-)