the Equalizing breath
The power of the breath to restore equilibrium and equality
The power of the breath to restore equilibrium and equality
Stand, sit, or lie down. Close your eyes.
Take a few slow, deep, natural breaths through your nose. Now allow yourself to simply observe your breath.
On your next inhalation, feel the entire circumference of your torso expand as your breath completely fills your lungs. Allow your pelvic floor, belly, and chest to expand all the way up through your collarbones.
On your next exhalation, feel all of the breath leaving your lungs as your release everything – collarbones, chest, belly, pelvic floor – back to the starting position.
Gradually extend your inhalation and your exhalation. Go slowly, breath by breath. Aim to equalize the inhalation and exhalation. If you can, make each breath slightly deeper than the one before.
At this point, if you are having trouble making the breaths of equal length, try counting. Start by inhaling for five counts and exhaling for five counts. Continue this breathing pattern for as long as you like. Feel free to lengthen or shorten the breath as needed. When you are comfortable, let go of the counting and just feel the consistency.
As it grows smoother and more even, notice how, when you become absorbed in the breath, space opens up in your mind, returning everything to equilibrium. See how the breath has brought you into the present moment, and how your perception of the world expands.
Let the breath create sufficient mental distance between you and the past to see yourself and the other person or situation clearly, without the distortion of old experiences and memories.
Return to normal breathing.
Take a few slow, deep, natural breaths through your nose. Now allow yourself to simply observe your breath.
On your next inhalation, feel the entire circumference of your torso expand as your breath completely fills your lungs. Allow your pelvic floor, belly, and chest to expand all the way up through your collarbones.
On your next exhalation, feel all of the breath leaving your lungs as your release everything – collarbones, chest, belly, pelvic floor – back to the starting position.
Gradually extend your inhalation and your exhalation. Go slowly, breath by breath. Aim to equalize the inhalation and exhalation. If you can, make each breath slightly deeper than the one before.
At this point, if you are having trouble making the breaths of equal length, try counting. Start by inhaling for five counts and exhaling for five counts. Continue this breathing pattern for as long as you like. Feel free to lengthen or shorten the breath as needed. When you are comfortable, let go of the counting and just feel the consistency.
As it grows smoother and more even, notice how, when you become absorbed in the breath, space opens up in your mind, returning everything to equilibrium. See how the breath has brought you into the present moment, and how your perception of the world expands.
Let the breath create sufficient mental distance between you and the past to see yourself and the other person or situation clearly, without the distortion of old experiences and memories.
Return to normal breathing.
Do you notice more clarity about how to navigate challenging situations you've been facing with more ease?
What other changes in your body/mind/spirit do you notice?
Practice the Equalizing breath for 5-20 minutes as often as you like. You may find it helpful to keep a journal of what you feel like before, during and after each breathing session.
These breathing exercises are highlighted from the book Breathing Space by Katrina Repka and Alan Finger. They are gentle and safe, but please check in with yourself and follow your own intuition before doing them.
Want support in developing your breathing practice? Join me for my monthly breathing circle on Zoom to share what you experience with each breath.
Want support in developing your breathing practice? Join me for my monthly breathing circle on Zoom to share what you experience with each breath.
Namaste.
“The light in me bows to the light in you.”
“The light in me bows to the light in you.”