Breathing for Life by Dorisse Aha
one another. We need light to grow, flourish, and shine in the fullness of our true selves, yet it is in the darkness that we rest and retreat in order to recharge. A beautiful metaphor for this balance is that of a seed, which lies deep within the dark soil and yet reaches upwards for the light, finally breaking through the soil to begin its journey of full manifestation.
A
As we delve deeply into the world of mind-body medicine, we find that balance is equally important. They say that what goes in—food, water, thoughts and beliefs—is also what comes out—health or lack of it, happiness or unhappiness, and so on. An essential yin-yang, in-out rhythm that it is also important to bring balance to is your breath. Spiritual traditions as well as metaphysical traditions talk about the “breath of life.” Our very life is contained within the inward and outward flow of air, as is the essence of our well-being. Awareness of our respiration— its dark and light aspects, its yin-yang—is important to fostering health and well-being.
Most of us are shallow breathers. We don’t fully inflate our lungs, open our diaphragm, and completely oxygenate our body when we breathe. Yet breathing deeply and fully goes beyond influencing our physical health. It can be a barometer of our psychological and emotional wellness, too. Notice, with no judgment, how your body feels when you have uncomfortable thoughts. Stop what you’re doing and pay attention to your breath—only that. Do you notice that your breath becomes either weak or shallow, or, if there is anger or anxiety, rapid and shallow? Our breath is like a metronome, marking the rhythm of our feelings. That’s why some methods of meditation have you bring your attention to your breath. It is not only a way to still the mind; it is a way to become aware of the “breath of life” of your emotions and feelings as well.
BREATH AWARENESS
You can improve your body, mind and spirit by paying attention to how you breathe and to taking responsibility for improving your breathing patterns. Begin fostering awareness of your breath by noticing it. Simply pay attention. You will soon see that there is a rhythm to your breathing. In and out. In and out. Also notice that there is a natural pause after exhalation, in the resting phase of your breath. The length of the pause varies between individuals, depending on one’s state of health. Conscious cultivation of this pause after the exhalation has health benefits, as it allows the respiratory
18 CHOICE POINT MAGAZINE
s we in the Western world open ourselves more deeply to Eastern mysticism and traditional wisdom, we have come to see that light and dark exist simultaneously, like yin and yang, in balance with
centre to rehabilitate itself, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels to return to normal, parasympathetic dominance to return (the part of your nervous system that fosters relaxation and more efficient communication between cells and organs), and even pH balance to improve. In addition, ancient yogic literature talks of these pauses as “the place of the no breath,” which is Spirit’s home and the silence where all of the answers to your questions can be found.
Now breathe naturally and fully so that your belly expands. The belly, in most metaphysical and martial arts traditions, is the seat of life and of personal power. Feel what it’s like to take the “breath of life” into this “seat of life.” Slow inhale. Slow exhale. Pause. Does your belly begin to feel full and satisfied, almost as if you just ate a nourishing meal? Practicing this simple full breathing can open this power centre, shining a light in this deep well of darkness so that you can more easily arrive at a place of inner satiation. It can draw your awareness inward so that you get more deeply in touch with the wisdom of the self. For some people, breathing into the belly helps their external life take on new meaning as they no longer search outward for solutions. Instead they go inward to re-discover the wisdom of the body.
BREATH OF LIFE VISUALIZATION
Try this simple but powerful exercise to awaken yourself further through breathing. Put aside at least ten minutes to undertake this practice, although more time is better.
• Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit, and close your eyes. Straighten your back and roll your shoulders up to your ears and then back, as if you are attempting to touch your shoulders together; stretch here for a moment and then relax while keeping your chest area open. Feel the expansion you have just created as you let go of any constriction that may be there.
• Now lay your hands on your abdomen, below your navel, and begin to observe the rhythm of your breath. Allow your breath to come and go comfortably in and out through your nose, without using even the slightest force to lengthen the inhalations or exhalations. Make a gentle effort to expand your belly as you inhale, and tuck your belly back towards your spine as you exhale. Do this for 5 to 10 breaths.
• Continue with the breathing rhythm as you imagine yourself in nature, someplace that you love. Use all of your senses to feel yourself in this place. Once you are fully there, smile—physically smile, not just in your mind—and allow yourself to rest in this peaceful environment for a few minutes.
www.choicepointmagazine.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78