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Return to this breath

Meet an ordinary sensation before seeking a special experience.

Foundation editorial draft · Updated 2026-10-16

Why this is here

The value of this encounter is its availability in daily life. The fuller source places mindfulness within a Buddhist community and practice context.

An original introduction

You do not need to create a breath. Notice the one already happening, or choose a sound or point of contact if that is more comfortable. Attention will wander. Recognizing the wandering gives you another opportunity to return, without needing to punish or perfect yourself.

Carry this today

Before opening another tab, notice one natural breath or one sound.

2 minutes · introductory · Original introduction informed by the page’s everyday mindfulness theme.

Connected reading

• Turn toward the question

  Turn toward the question → read alongside → Return to this breath

• Zen

  Return to this breath → situated in → Zen

• The Art of Mindful Living

  Return to this breath → draws on → The Art of Mindful Living

• Plum Village on YouTube

  Return to this breath → source voice → Plum Village on YouTube

• Five ordinary breaths, then a few more

  Return to this breath → try with → Five ordinary breaths, then a few more

• Attention in movement

  Return to this breath → try with → Attention in movement

• Begin again

  Return to this breath → read alongside → Begin again

• Begin again

  Begin again → read alongside → Return to this breath

• Let care take a small form

  Let care take a small form → read alongside → Return to this breath

• Know the breath without changing it

  Know the breath without changing it → read alongside → Return to this breath

See this in the map

Source checks and editorial provenance

Foundation editorial draft; source lookup by assistant; owner review pending · 2026-10-16

• Source record 1: plumvillage.org