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Sacred Breath

bushes at getty, los angeles

Breath is given to us as a gift. Every breath is a gift of life which revitalizes, re-energizes and sustains our existence. What we want to do through the meditative experience of ’sacred breath’ is to come into an awareness of each breath and to allow it to strengthen our mind-body-spirit entity. Let me describe the ’sacred breath’ meditative experience as a way to allow you to consider its value for your own journey into health.

Consider these 5 steps

  1. Find a reasonably quiet place and sit in a comfortable position–perhaps, sitting on a cushion with your legs crossed and your back against a wall for added support.

  2. Close your eyes so you will not be needlessly distracted and place your hands in a relaxed position. Don’t clench the fingers or fists, cutting off blood flow. Keep your limbs loose.

  3. Start to relax your body and mind by simply breathing in and out through your nostrils. Don’t force your breathing. There is no need for it to be excessively deep. Just quiet your mind and heart by focusing on the movement of your breath. In and out of the nostrils. Feel the cool air coming into your nasal passageways. Feel the warm air of your exhalation as it passes over the area beneath the nose and over your upper lip. Simply maintain this gentle practice of breathing. Recognize, feel, become aware of the breath entering and leaving your body. Entering and leaving your body. Entering and leaving your body.

    4. meditative pebbles

  4. Keep in mind that during this breathing exercise your mind will most likely remain active in its jumbled thought processes for a period of time. You will likely experience darting, disconnected thoughts–who knows where they come from. You may even feel unsettled, anxious or upset–the very opposite outcome you were expecting as you started this exercise! Don’t worry! Simply, return to your breath. Keep refocusing on the inhalation, the exhalation. Your breath is your core. It will allow you to re-center your mind and lead you back to that place of serenity and tranquility—the place you are aspiring to reach. Note that as you press through the distractions of your thoughts and keep concentrating on your breathing, the interferences will lessen. Persevere and you will experience greater levels of equanimity and peace each time as a result of this meditative practice.

  5. I recommend that you begin with 20 minute sessions, building to 30-40 minutes, and ultimately to 1 hour. I suggest at least 20 minutes to begin because it takes time to settle into the practice of ’sacred breath’ and to get beyond the initial period of distractions (experienced by most). At the end of your time, gently draw the session to a close by opening your eyes and slowly re-gathering yourself into your post-meditative position and surroundings. From this position of greater serenity, move into your day. Continue to be aware of the gift of breath and the vitality it offers in all dimensions of your daily walk.