Breathing
With visible breath I am walking, in a sacred manner, I walk.
— White Buffalo Calf Woman
Learning to breathe deeply and fully is revitalizing on every level. Breathing fully, we open up the torso and give our bodies the opportunity to come into a natural alignment. Instead of seeing a sigh as a sign of worry, use it as an opportunity to take a deep, full breath.
Instead of stifling a yawn, yawn fully and take a good stretch too. By simply becoming aware of our breathing patterns and learning ways to adjust them, we are given the keys to living meditation and on-the-spot stress management.
Becoming Aware of Your Breathing
Lie on your back with a pillow under your knees. Put one hand on your abdomen. Close your eyes and breathe slowly. Spend five minutes simply observing your natural patterns of breathing.
Breathing Meditation
Lie down or sit in a comfortable position with a straight spine. With your tongue resting on the roof of your mouth behind your teeth to complete the energetic circle, slowly inhale through your nose and allow your diaphragm to move downward and your belly to rise as air is drawn into your lungs. Exhale gently through your mouth and allow your belly to flatten as your diaphragm moves upwards and pushes the air out of your lungs.
For more information about Breathing, here’s a informative flyer by Ann Sibbet.