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Playing with Breath II
By Ben | May 22, 2008
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As you continue to play with your breathing, you may find immense value in focusing on the exhale.
You can always improve your awareness by paying attention to different things, and choosing to focus even deeper…
Many breathing systems focus primarily on the inhale, which can be useful, but your lungs must be empty before they can be filled… those of you who enjoy kung-fu will know there are many meanings to the saying “empty your cup!”
Take some time when you are breathing in formal meditation, or just out and about in your life, to practice some of the following adjustments to our breathing exercises:
- Slow down the exhale… let it grow a little longer with each breath, until it doubles or triples the length of your inhale
- Imagine exhaling through a straw (or you can actually use a straw), or just purse your lips together as you slowly release the breath…
- As you exhale, pull in your belly toward your spine, to completely expel the air from your lungs (be sensible, avoid injury)
- Notice the silence during the exhalation… the mind naturally grows more silent on the exhale… pay attention to what happens when you begin to encourage that silence…
- Notice the silence at the very end of the exhale… in that space before the new breath (pause for a moment if you like)
- Start your breathing session with a complete exhale… our instinct tends to be to start with the deep inhale… notice what happens when you first exhale completely, pause, and then enjoy the deep inhale…
I hope you’re having fun with your breath… some say the breath is the bridge between mind and body… skill at breathing might be something worth taking time to cultivate!
keep smiling,
ben
Topics: -relaxation techniques, -A Bit of Zen... |
