A powerful breathing practice for self-transformation

[Guest guest]

This was posted on another list,

SpiritualAlchemy/

but also felt it could bring the fresh calming breeze of our breath here.

 

by Dennis Lewis

 

 

--

 

 

I thought that some of you might be interested in this passage--which

is one of the cornerstones of real transformation and alchemy--from

the latest issue of my free newsletter "Authentic Breathing News"

():

 

"In this period of worldwide disharmony, mistrust, anxiety, and

violence, it is extremely important to pay attention to our

breathing. The fundamental breath awareness practice that I offer

below can be very useful in bringing us back to the miracle of the

present moment and help us to experience genuine inner quiet, calm,

and sincerity beneath the often turbulent and chaotic surface of our

reactive judgments, thoughts and emotions. It is only through deep

inner quiet, calmness, and sincerity that we can begin to heal and

unify the many divisions that separate us from ourselves and others

(individually, culturally, and politically) and to make, with any

degree of intelligence, the great decisions that lie ahead of us in

today's fear-filled, almost insane, psychological, social, and

political climate.

 

Of course, it all begins with each one of us. It all begins with

experiencing and truly appreciating the miracle of 'the breath of

life' right now and right here as you read these words. And, if you

are not already doing so, I hope you will try with me the practice

below and incorporate it into your daily life."

 

PRACTICE

 

"One of the simplest, safest, and most powerful breathing practices

you can undertake on your own behalf is to consciously follow your

breathing in the many circumstances of your life. As you inhale,

simply be aware that you are inhaling. As you exhale, simply be

aware that you are exhaling. Try this practice for 10 minutes at a

time at least three times a day. It will help free you from your

automatic thoughts and emotional reactions and thus enable you to

wake up in your daily life more often, to live with more receptivity

and clarity in the present moment. You may find this practice

especially useful at moments when you are anxious or angry. With

roots in Buddhism and the other great spiritual traditions, it is a

wonderful practice for both beginners and advanced practitioners."

 

Copyright 2004 By Dennis Lewis

 

With best wishes,

 

Dennis Lewis

http://www.dennislewis.org