Breathe

Deep breathing has been used for centuries as a way of relaxing and releasing tension. I find it is also the simplest and fastest way of becoming aware of my deeper Self but you may want to breathe just to relax. Either way, it doesn’t matter.

    1. Sit or lie in a comfortable position. You may want to cover with a blanket for warmth.
    2. Let your body relax into what you are lying or sitting comfortably on. Be aware of any tension anywhere in your body.
    3. Notice your breathing and place your hand on the area of your navel. Inhale and exhale. Is your abdomen moving, or are you breathing into your upper chest? People with tension breathe short, shallow breaths from the upper chest. Watch how babies and puppies breathe from the abdomen. That is the natural way to breathe.
    4. Place both hands gently on your abdomen. Inhale slowly and deeply through the nose bringing your attention to your abdomen. Exhale, noticing how your abdomen rises and falls with each inhale and exhale. Your chest should move only the slightest amount, if at all.
    5. Continue inhaling and exhaling through your nose, keeping a simple, slow rhythm, as simply and effortlessly as a baby.
    6. Breathe for about five or ten minutes once or twice a day. This is so simple you can also breathe into your abdomen while standing, driving, walking, and other activities. After a couple of weeks of gently practicing this program you can increase to longer periods of time if you wish.
    7. At the conclusion of the exercise notice and compare how you feel now with how you felt at the beginning.

Allow this deep breathing to become your breath and you will begin to notice how much more relaxed you are. Even with so much tension in the world, you’ll be giving yourself a fine gift, costing you nothing but a little bit of time.

If you’re too busy to breathe, you’re too busy.

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