Until someone has experienced the power of mindful breathing, it's hard to understand how such a simple act can profoundly affect the mind and body. For many, the practice of mindfulness – being in the present moment with full awareness – is a daily struggle.
One of the most powerful tools to encourage mindfulness is intentional, mindful breathing. With mindful breathing, the goal is to focus on the act of breathing and to notice the sensations associated with it without judging them.
Consciously observing this life-giving process can quiet the mind and bring awareness back to the present moment. But amid a chaotic or stressful day, how can we remember to slow down and focus on our breathing?
For many, the solution is to get a tattoo that reminds them of this essential act. This article explores some of our top choices for mindfulness and breathing tattoos, featuring selections from our own collection of temporary and semi-permanent tattoos.
Mindful Breathing Tattoo Options
One of the best things about choosing a tattoo is that you can work with a tattoo artist to create a design that is deeply personal and meaningful to you. By choosing something that appeals to you, you'll enjoy its presence on your skin each day.
Let's explore some of the most common tattoos that people choose to remind them of mindful breathing.
Word Tattoos
There are many options to consider for those attracted to the powerful simplicity of word tattoos. These designs are a classic way to embrace an important word, and they’ll never go out of style!
A straightforward option is a tattoo that features the word 'breathe.' This design will serve as a simple reminder to take a few moments to focus on your breathing and appreciate what the present moment has to offer.
Along those same lines, our 'just breathe' temporary tattoo is an excellent choice for anyone who gets overwhelmed easily and knows that they can calm their racing mind and heart by just breathing through it.
Other popular word tattoos include ones that focus on the process of breathing itself. An 'inhale exhale' tattoo, for example, is a beautiful way to remind yourself that breathing is composed of two distinct elements, which each hold their own power.
If you want to take it a step further, you could consider a tattoo with the words 'inhale the future, exhale the past.' This would serve as a reminder to breathe in the present moment while expelling negative energy or distracting thoughts of the past.
Because mindfulness is deeply connected to breathwork, you might pick some words that remind you of the importance of staying in the present moment. Each time you see these words, you'll be reminded to slow down and focus on your breathing.
We have many great examples of this concept in our collection of fake tattoos, including ones that feature the words 'be here now,' or 'here and now,' or simply a 'here, now' tattoo.
Spiritual Tattoos
Many beautiful symbols represent the act of mindful breathing. These are a wonderful option for someone who appreciates the power of symbols and sacred geometry or those who prefer a more esoteric design.
For those who practice Buddhism or Hinduism, popular designs include Om tattoos and unalome tattoos. These are also commonly chosen by those committed to transcendental meditation or deepening their yoga practice.
Our classic Om temporary tattoo is a popular choice for those who wish to represent the act of mindful breathing. Om is a sacred sound in Hinduism and Buddhism that is used as a mantra during meditation. The symbol itself is composed of three curves, which is something said to represent the body, speech, and mind.
Another commonly seen design is the unalome, which has its origins in Southeast Asian Buddhism. An unalome tattoo is composed of an enchanting series of spirals and a straight line, which represents the journey to enlightenment. This design is often chosen by those on a spiritual journey who know it is vital to remain in the present moment.
Pictorial Tattoos
Finally, there are many designs that can help you focus on intentional breathwork but are not necessarily religious in nature. While meditation and the act of mindful breathing have their roots in spiritual practices, many people today engage in these essential acts without any connection to religion.
For those looking for a design that is a little more unique, consider a pictorial tattoo. You can choose a design that speaks to you and resonates with your personal journey.
The minimalist mindfulness symbol is the ideal choice for a tattoo for many. This design features a mirror reflection of a water droplet before and after it hits the water and its ensuing ripples. This simple yet powerful design reminds us of the impact that a tiny droplet of water can have when it hits a still body of water.
If meditation is the chosen pathway to your calm mind, then our meditation symbol temporary tattoo is an excellent choice. This type of design can serve as a reminder to incorporate meditation into daily life and help you stay committed to your journey.
A thought-provoking option to consider is a floral lungs tattoo. With its depiction of the lungs, this design is intrinsically connected to breathing. The incorporation of floral imagery reminds us that all living things also engage in this essential act of breathing. And that by focusing on our breath, we will grow and flourish.
You could also consider a tattoo that features an image of the ocean or waves. Both of these natural wonders are said to represent the vastness of the present moment and can serve as a reminder to breathe deeply and appreciate all that life has to offer.
Which mindful breathing tattoo is right for you?
When choosing a tattoo design that represents mindful breathing, it's crucial to select a design that resonates with you personally. Consider what type of designs speak to you and make you feel calm and centered.
Fortunately, there are countless designs for you to consider before making a commitment. Or, create your own unique design that reminds you to focus on your breathing to remain in the present moment.
It's also important to consider the placement of your tattoo, as this will be a visual reminder for you to focus on your breath every time you see it. This design is most impactful for many people when it's somewhere that can be seen throughout the day. But you may prefer something more subtle or discreet, which can hold its own quiet power.
If you haven’t made up your mind about the design and placement, our website is the perfect place to start! We have a wide variety of eco-friendly temporary tattoos that can serve as excellent reminders take a few moments to breathe intentionally.
Once you've selected the perfect design and placement, be sure to find a reputable tattoo artist who can bring your vision to life. And then, take a deep breath and enjoy the process of being in the moment and celebrating your commitment to mindfulness.