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OPEN MIND OPEN BODY Take A Deep Breath |
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Throw Things Out: A Breathing Practice This breathing exercise is described in Meditation: The First and Last Freedom by Osho. Although Osho describes this breathing technique for its ability to transform anxiety into joy, it also appeals to me as a breathing exercise that can prepare you physically and emotionally for life change. As with all breathing practices, begin with a minute or two of basic breath awareness. Observe your breathing without trying to control the pattern or quality of your breath. Now, begin focusing on your exhalation. With each breath, exhale as deeply and powerfully as you can. Use the abdominal muscles to help expel the breath. Pull the belly in and up as you exhale. Do not speed up or rush the breath; simply make the exhale powerful and complete. Once this feels comfortable, begin to hold your breath for a couple of seconds at the end of each exhalation. Just for a second or two, and not to the point of discomfort or strain. Notice the effect that this has on your inhalation - the inhale should feel like the breath is rushing in, without effort, filling you up completely. Begin to retain the breath for a second or two at the end of the inhalation as well. Then exhale powerfully, retain for a couple of seconds, and breathe in. Repeat this cycle without speeding the breath: Breathe in, hold, breathe out, hold. How do you feel? Notice how easy it is to take a new breath when you let go fully of the old breath. Notice how easy it is to let go of the old breath when you have fully experienced it. As it is with the breath, so it is with life. Be grateful for the experiences you have had, and be willing to let them go. Now, go throw something out that you no longer need (literally or figuratively), and make room for the new.
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