Whatever your intension for meditating, some basic keys to the process
is to focus on something either internally or externally. This can
be a sound, an internal image, an external object or any of a wide
variety of focusing devices. One of the easiest and best things to
focus on is our breath itself! Since part of the process of meditation
is the use of proper breathing to center and slow down the rhythm of
life, it makes sense to use your breath to focus.
Proper breathwork is an art in and of itself, and awareness of our
breath is another key to great meditation. To begin, simply breathe
into your diaphragm, the place between your ribs and navel for greatest
effect. One way to practice the technique is whenever you are at a
stop sign, instead of sitting impatiently waiting for it to change,
try something new. Try a one minute breath workout. Feel yourself breathe
in the light and love of the universe and breathe out the toxicity
of your life. This is a small step towards the beginning of a significant
life change. Here are some other places to practice good breathing
technique:
- Talking on the phone
- Brushing your teeth
- Teeing off on the golf course
For longer sessions try:
- Showering or soaking in the tub
- Washing the car
- Eating-especially when alone
- Peeling an orange, apple or potato,
etc.
- Grooming the cat, dog, etc.
- Washing dishes
- Folding clothes
In the simple act of training ourselves to breathe properly and become
more mindful by slowing down our sense of time passing, we can learn
to monitor our moods and thoughts before they spiral downward. We can,
in other words, make ourselves happier. In addition to making ourselves
happier, we can promote better blood flow to the heart, the lungs and
all of the extremities. Focusing mind and body ultimately leads to
feeling better and when we feel better we do better work, have better
relationships and make better decisions. Not a bad use of your time.
Shirley
Ryan was led to create the book Searching for
the Waters of Antiquity a meditation tool, and a unique
integration of her extensive career experience and her skills
of painting and meditation. She is also the founder and president
of Working Together, a business specializing in managing life’s
changes in Mind, Body & Spirit through the coaching process. She
has worked as a professional life coach since 1994.
