Week 2, Lesson 6: Live Long & Live Well With Master Gu

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Find Peace & Focus Anytime, Anywhere With Just One Breath

 
 

A Simple Way To Bring Calm Into Your Busy Day

Hello! George here, I hope you’re enjoying Master Gu’s course so far.

We’ve talked a lot this week about how Taoist meditation can take many forms.

Rather than a focused practice with a set time, place, or position, meditation can instead be viewed as a way of life.

But if you’ve found yourself wondering, “How do I actually fit this into my busy schedule?” I have a simple but transformative technique to share:

The Single Mindful Breath.

A Simple Way To Bring Calm Into Your Busy Day

HELLO!

George here, I hope you’re enjoying Master Gu’s course so far.

We’ve talked a lot this week about how Taoist meditation can take many forms.

Rather than a focused practice with a set time, place, or position, meditation can instead be viewed as a way of life.

But if you’ve found yourself wondering, “How do I actually fit this into my busy schedule?” I have a simple but transformative technique to share:

The Single Mindful Breath.

Make Meditation Effortless With The Single Mindful Breath

We don’t always have the luxury of setting aside time for a full Qi Gong or Tai Chi session.

But we do have time for a single mindful breath because we’re already breathing anyway!

 This Is Where The Single Mindful Breath Comes In

It’s a technique so simple that it fits into even the busiest of days, yet so powerful that it can shift your mindset in a matter of seconds.

As the name suggests, the Single Mindful Breath is all about fully immersing yourself in one, deliberate breath.

With just one deep, conscious inhale and exhale, you can:

  • Identify unhelpful thoughts and accept them as external to ourselves
  • Recenter your focus and return to the present moment
  • Calm your mind and ease tension in the body

This is a great exercise when we feel our focus has trailed or we’re being held hostage by intrusive thoughts.

But more generally, incorporating these small mindful breaks into your daily routine—even when you’re feeling focused—will help you maintain a sense of calm and clarity at all times.

How To Practice A Single Mindful Breath

ONE

Breathe deeply and slowly through your nose. Close your eyes if you can, letting the world around you fade for a second.

TWO

Hold your breath for a moment and notice your thoughts—don’t judge or fight them, just observe.

THREE

Exhale slowly through your mouth, relaxing your face, shoulders, and body as you let go of tension.

FOUR

Repeat if possible. Even a few mindful breaths in a row can deepen the calming effect.

"Each Mindful Breath Isn’t Just A Pause—It’s A Step Toward Clarity, Calm, And Control In Your Day" - George Thompson

We invite you to ‘Do the Dao Now’

Focus on small, simple steps to explore these ideas in your own life

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#1: Schedule Mini-Meditations

  • Set reminders during your day—whether on your phone or written in your planner—to pause for a mindful breath or two

Pick a frequency that suits you: every hour, before meals, or between tasks.

These small moments of calm can have a ripple effect, reducing stress and improving focus far beyond the time spent.

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#2: Build A Routine

Try to integrate these mindful breaks into your daily habits.

For example:

  • One mindful breath when you wake up
  • A few breaths before starting a challenging task
  • A calming breath before bed

Over time, your body will begin to recognize these moments and naturally respond by slowing down, creating a sense of calm without extra effort.

I really hope this can help you develop a regular, revitalizing habit, and get familiar with meditation as a way of life.

With warmth,
George