Clarity on what breath awareness really is and how to do it right

Breath awareness is the key to self awareness. It is the first step and also a companion in the soul's journey. It is also an essential part of mindfulness which is currently popular. Yet, we hardly are aware of our breath during our daily life. We do not value it, despite it being the foundation of our very existence. We are so engrossed in our daily activities that we are not aware of our breath. This lack of alignment is at the root of all our suffering - be it physical, emotional, and mental.

Every seeker begins his/her journey with learning to pay attention to their breath. 
Unfortunately, they end up perceiving it as a mechanical process and frequently miss out on the most important nuances involved in breath awareness. As a result, they may get lost and may not get the intended results. Discouraged, they sometimes stop practicing breath awareness altogether.

One reason for failure to practice breath awareness and get desired results could be - Seekers may have understood the concept superficially. Although a deeper experiential understanding will evolve over time with regular practice; one should be clear from the beginning on what breath awareness is, what is the right process involved, how each breath should be combined with a positive attitude and blissful experience. Once equipped with information on the appropriate process, there is a low possibility of getting lost.

Aloof attention is a key element of breath awareness. Aloof attention means - subtly watching the breath by maintain a little distance while still involved in worldly activities. This slight attention to the self while still being involved in work, affords us the inner sanctuary critical to retain balance. It also ensures that we do not stray (emotionally/mentally) too far away from home. If we maintain aloof attention then returning home to self is just a breath away. In the absence of breath awareness, we enter the rabbits hole and do not have the means to return back. We stray so horribly that we fail to recognize where we land up. The resulting experience may either be traumatic, disturbing, confusing, cause restlessness or anxiety. Returning to self awareness in such a state is difficult and effort intensive.

Attention to physical sensations is also a part of breath awareness. Awareness of each incoming and outgoing breath touching the nares and the area above the lips, the sensation of the breath passing through the airway, the lungs as well as abdomen expanding and contracting with each breath. Physical sensory awareness and fullness of breath are essential here.

Profound involvement in worldly activities results in shallow breathing as majority of attention is away from the self. On the contrary, intentional and deeper breaths give room for retaining and maintaining self awareness. 

Finally, another nuance is breathing in a relaxed, unhurried and happy manner. Appreciating blissfullness of each breath is key to relaxation and balance.