Breathe Into Awareness

For most people who I’ve talked to over the years the idea of establishing a regular meditation practice is somewhat daunting.

Part of the problem is that most people who ‘try’ meditation aren’t really meditating. They are merely sitting still with their eyes closed and trying not to think.

That’s a frustrating endeavor, to be sure.

This is because the more you try not to think, the more you are utilizing mental energy.

This means that instead of giving your mind a break, you are forcing your mind to work even harder.

In essence, now you are trying to think your way into not thinking.

Of course the average person is going to believe that meditation didn’t work for them. This is because meditation, like anything else in life worth learning, requires technique.

Yet another problem for many people who want to begin to walk the path of awareness is the daunting idea of committing to daily meditation for the rest of their lives. Although it is one of the most empowering and liberating things that you could ever do for yourself, committing to daily meditation is difficult for most people.

The problem is how to bridge the gap between not having any mind/body practice at all and a life of disciplined, daily meditation.

I have found that a good beginning step for many people who find difficulty making the jump from zero to sixty with regular meditation is to simply do some daily breathing exercises.

This can be done in as little as sixty seconds and have a profoundly positive impact upon your life. In fact, any time you stop to take a couple of deep breaths, you will notice a slight reduction in your stress level as well as a slightly broader perspective on your current life situation.

It’s easy to do and can begin to cultivate the power of awareness in your life.

Basic Breathing Exercise

• Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed for 2 minutes.
• Sit down (unless there is no chair, then remain standing) and close the eyes.
• Take two, deep breaths through the nose.
• Exhale all the way out through the nose.
• Sit quietly for an additional 30 seconds.
• You are done, open the eyes and continue on with your day.

Notice how your perspective and awareness has shifted slightly allowing you to see and observe more than before.

For the individual who feels as if they are too busy to begin daily meditation or is daunted by the process this is a great way to begin building a daily mind/body practice and alleviate stress within their lives.

The more often you do this the more you will benefit. You may be surprised to find that certain life situations, whether it is your work, creativity, or relationships, have improved ever so slightly.

It is only logical to assume that if you continue to do this exercise on a daily basis that the benefits will be cumulative.

Author: Christopher A. Pinckley is the street level spiritualist, writer, illuminator, creator of the Emotional Integration Technique, and author of the popular spiritual book Reality Creation 101. His life’s work is to help people to awaken and become present within their lives and businesses. Get yourself a copy of Christopher’s most recent book Alive Awake Aware: Authentic Power Through Spirituality