Conscious Breathing

Most of us do not breathe consciously. Fortunately, there is a built-in mechanism (the autonomic nervous system) that keeps us breathing, anyway.

However, breathing consciously is a good meditative tool simply because we do not usually do it. Our brains, through which our egos access the information in our Fields, normally limit us to focusing on one thing at a time. If we insist on concentrating on our breathing, we cannot become fixated upon the raise we were hoping for and didn't get, the child we think needs more discipline, or the bill payment we forgot to mail. Breathing deeply and regularly while working on a particular problem can help maintain a clear head when you need it most.

Not to say that, when you are trying to meditate, distractions don't try to replace the focus on breathing. If they do, acknowledge them ("Yes, I know. Later.") gently move them aside, and return to the focus on breathing.

The great thing about breathing techniques is that you can practice them at any time, and absolutely no one will know you are doing it! But, meanwhile, your blood pressure is lowering, your pulse stops racing, and you can gather your wits about you before returning to the fray.

Each subsequent workshop will feature a distinct breathing technique. In this workshop, we will examine two basic techniques that can be used alone, or as a meditative tool.

Conscious Breathing
Exercise 0-c

1. Start by inhaling long and deep, to the count of twelve.
2. Then exhale to the count of twelve. Release all the air you just took in.
3. Hold for the count of twelve.
4. Repeat three times.
5. What was your experience?

Alternate Nostril Breathing

For those whose distractions seem to intrude even with the best attempts at conscious breathing, this ancient Hindu practice should do the trick. The physical movements of keeping the finger on the appropriate nostril takes all the concentration most people can muster, with no mental cycles left to produce the distractions of mundane problems.

This is also a good thing to do to calm hiccups. One set of twelve should suffice.

1. With your right index finger held against your right nostril, inhale to the count of twelve through your left nostril.
2. Exhale through that same nostril to the count of twelve.
3. With your left index finger held against your left nostril, inhale to the count of twelve through your right nostril.
4. Exhale through that same nostril to the count of twelve.
5. Repeat three times. Avoid hyperventilation

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