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OPEN MIND OPEN BODY Take A Deep Breath |
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The Breath of Connection
I developed this breath meditation for a workshop that focused on rediscovering your sense of connection to something outside of your inner world - relationships, community, meaning, history, spirituality. The practice itself has roots in two Buddhist meditation techniques, metta (lovingkindness) meditation and tonglen meditation (the practice of transforming another person's suffering). This breath meditation was also inspired by Betsy Duncombe, who teaches breathwork to prisoners.
Listen to audio instructions for the breath of connection (6 minutes streaming media), part of the Take a Deep Breath CD.
Choose a specific person for each part of the meditation. You can stay with each part of the meditation for one breath, or many breaths.
The breath connects us to all those who have come before us, all those who share this planet with us in this moment, and all those who will come after us. Use the simple act of breathing to remind yourself of this connection.
Bring to mind a person who is nearby, physically. Someone who is sharing this very room, or home, with you. As you inhale, take in their physical presence. As you exhale, send them awareness and appreciation.
Bring to mind a person who is close to your heart, but far from you. As you inhale, bring them to mind. As you exhale, send them love and support.
Bring to mind a person who is suffering. As you inhale, breathe in awareness of their suffering, and as you exhale, send them compassion and understanding.
Bring to mind an ancestor, a predecessor - someone whose very life has made your present experience possible. As you inhale, take in the meaning of their life, and as you exhale, send them gratitude.
Bring to mind all those who will come after you. As you inhale, experience the beauty of your own life. As you exhale, send them the fruits of your life, and hope for the future.
The Hug Breath is an excellent partner to this meditation.
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