Something that has fueled me and put me at ease:
Still in bed I follow my breath: past my heart into my lungs
I really savor each breath.
Just a few breaths even.
Imagine watching the easy breath of a sleeping baby...then watch your own breath with that magic and wonder. Follow it for a bit.
In a morning dream someone called it "Priming the pump" for the day.
If I can get to bed early and awaken before the alarm this is has a profound positive effect on my day. I can then set intentions for a good day. Just like my gratitude practice at bedtime this helps me be more centered and rested and it can be done alone or with a partner-- it feels good to me.
Breath is amazing as it happens without intent. I had a self defense instructor who emphasized that we were meant to survive and to prove his point he asked us to hold our breath until we died. Even people with the will to refuse to breath to asphyxiation and pass out will awaken and breath. Breathing is integral but can be influenced by anxiety (unconscious) or by intent (conscious) and just its mere observation makes it more easeful.
Breath is bigger than the mind. Breath fuels life from life (i.e. the animal and plant respiration/photosynthesis cycle) so it connects us to the whole biome--to all of life. Following the breath is a ticket and a key.
I just have to turn of all the screens and electronics long enough to do really enjoy it!
Still in bed I follow my breath: past my heart into my lungs
I really savor each breath.
Just a few breaths even.
Imagine watching the easy breath of a sleeping baby...then watch your own breath with that magic and wonder. Follow it for a bit.
In a morning dream someone called it "Priming the pump" for the day.
If I can get to bed early and awaken before the alarm this is has a profound positive effect on my day. I can then set intentions for a good day. Just like my gratitude practice at bedtime this helps me be more centered and rested and it can be done alone or with a partner-- it feels good to me.
Breath is amazing as it happens without intent. I had a self defense instructor who emphasized that we were meant to survive and to prove his point he asked us to hold our breath until we died. Even people with the will to refuse to breath to asphyxiation and pass out will awaken and breath. Breathing is integral but can be influenced by anxiety (unconscious) or by intent (conscious) and just its mere observation makes it more easeful.
Breath is bigger than the mind. Breath fuels life from life (i.e. the animal and plant respiration/photosynthesis cycle) so it connects us to the whole biome--to all of life. Following the breath is a ticket and a key.
I just have to turn of all the screens and electronics long enough to do really enjoy it!
