a short guide to conscious breathing
1. Arriving
Give yourself some time to really become aware that you are present. Particularly if you have just finished a stressful day. Be aware of your body. Feel your legs and your feet. Choose a comfortable spot where you can sit or lie down. Maybe seated in a soft armchair or lying down on a bed. Make sure that you feel comfortable and warm. I suggest covering yourself with a light blanket.
2. Letting go of your expectations
Right about now your expectations are coming up: “I have to do this right! I have to breathe now! How do I do this right?” Just let go of all these thoughts and feel how everything is perfect. This loving soul in the core of you is loving you no matter what. You do not have to DO a thing.
3. Sinking into your belly
Like a diver who plunges into the ocean, you too can sink into the stillness in your belly. Gently sinking deeper and deeper. Do not force or push. Just observe: How deep can I sink today?
4. Becoming soft
While sinking deeper you can let your body become softer. Just let your shoulders melt and let go. Allow your spine, your neck and your arms to become soft. Everything is just melting away. Again, do not force or push. You do not have to do a thing.
5. Letting your breath flow softly
Maybe you’ve noticed that your breath has started to flow naturally. Allow this natural flow in through your nose, past your lungs and deep down into your belly. Allow your breath to flow gently and softly. This breath is a loving breath. It touches your body and lets it melt even more. A soft and steady flow of breath. Feel this gentle breath reach your belly.
6. Receiving
Along with each soft breath in and each soft breath out, there is a flowing energy. Your own soul is sending you her love through this breath. Can you receive some of this love that is meant for you? Not all at once, just a small piece of this love. There is no need to force or rush it. You are invited to gently begin to receive your own love again. One breath at a time.
7. Returning
After a while– once again do not force yourself to breathe a certain length of time– slowly return to your Now moment. Become aware of your body and your surroundings. Start gently moving your arms and your legs. Open your eyes. Allow yourself another moment before you get up.
© 2008, Lea Hamann, Königstein im Taunus
This article is part of the website www.eelea.com
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