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Have you considered...
The Wave
Dance with the quiet, with the space around you. Wear it like a cloak.
Hold the quiet, the pregnant space within and around you. Notice the ever present potential.
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The Wave!
Our breath is a Wave, an ebb and a flow to which you may or may not pay attention. I invite you to become aware of your breath. It is a route into your internal space, it can alter your state of mind, and a full, deep breath activates your relaxation response. It is easy to do too!
Right now breathe in slowly drawing the breath in through your nostrils as if you are hugging the breath. Feel it passing first through your nostrils and then your throat into your chest. Is your chest rising, widening, lifting? Pause at the top of your breath feeling the fullness of your chest. Now slowly exhale hugging the breath out through your throat and nostrils. Sense the shift in your chest and abdomen. As you exhale can you feel the drawing in at your navel area? Can you feel the narrowing of your rib cage. Breathe in slowly sensing into this portion of the wave of your breath, the flow in. Receive, open, be nourished by the breath! Exhale slowly, following the ebb of the breath outward. Give back, let go, unload!
We are not machines, always on. We are rhythmic beings! The rhythm of the breath can become our friend, an oasis that requires only attention. There is nothing to buy, nothing to turn on.....just a focus of our attention. Attention is a gift we are able give to ourselves. Set a timer for 3 or 5 minutes. Sit comfortably with your back upright, attentive not rigid. Focus on your breath in the manner described above. Adhere to your focus, following each increment of the breath.
5 minutes later.....What is the net effect? How would you describe how you feel??? Relaxed, enlivened, refreshed, focused, eager???? There is no right answer. It is important to notice the shift. How would you describe the texture of your breath now? Did your mind race??? What information did you glean: did your energy system register fatigue or boredom. Has your 'on button' been continuously on? Do you crave stimulation, lightness, peacefulness, nourishment? Keep a little journal or an ongoing list in your mind. How would you rate your attention span? You can now make lifestyle choices, more exercise, more down time based on your observations. Self knowledge and well being are the by-products of this exercise in focus.
Each experience with the wave of the breath is unique. Some people require soothing music. Feel free to put music on in the background. Steven Halpern has many beautiful CD's. It is the stress hormones that contribute to our aging process. When you follow the wave of your breath you reinforce the production of your youth enhancing hormones. It's free and easy.
I encourage you to make a practice of it. It is the route into meditative practices, the witnessing state of mind, into wholeness. Practice this for a week, 7 consecutive days. As you inhale imagine that you are feeding yourself. Let the breath itself be nourishment for you. As you exhale feel as if you are unloading your stress. Give it back. Observe prior to enjoying a meal or during a workout session if you are not more connected to your body, more innately satisfied from the inside out. Please share your insights.
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