Deep Breathing Meditation

Meditation is a wonderful way to cleanse, heal and open your mind.  I use a very simple deep breathing meditation technique that's super-duper easy.  Here's how:

First and most importantly, you need to be in a quiet room alone and undisturbed. This is the time to turn cell phones or house phones OFF.

If you like aromas, I strongly recommend lighting a candle of your favorite relaxing scent. Allow the scent to really permeate the space.

Now, sit comfortably but with good posture (spine straight, don't slump). If it helps, turn all lights off and sit in total darkness (I do this myself a lot).

Soft ambient music is also a nice addition to this but that may be distracting. If you do use music with this, do not chose music with vocals and/or drums.

Close your eyes and visualize strongly a very peaceful scene. For example, I always visualize a clear, starry night but some people might like, say, a quiet place on the beach or lake shore. Focus very hard on this image in your mind but don't strain.

Now, here's the breathing technique:

1. Breathe in slowly through your nose until your lungs are full.

2. Hold this breath for as long as possible.

3. Exhale slowly through your mouth with your lips pursed (like as if you're blowing through a straw) until your lungs are empty.

4. Repeat this at least 10 times.

5. Slowly open your eyes.

Now, when I finish this I feel two things:

1. My body is very relaxed.

2. My mind is extremely sharp and focused.

The IMPORTANT thing on this is to inhale SLOWLY and exhale SLOWLY. DO NOT rush this or it won't work.

Scientifically, you're giving your body a wonderful slow controlled dose of oxygen and a slow, potent cleansing of toxins when exhaling the carbon dioxide.

At first, you may find it difficult to hold the breath for very long. Don't worry, you'll get better at this over time.

It's very, very, very important to keep that visualization focused throughout the breathing session.

Side note: this is a WONDERFUL "warm-up" prior to working with the Tarot. It really makes the readings come alive.

Now, sometimes I extend my session to do 20 or 30 repetitions if I want some "extra strength" cleansing. If you're new to this, start with the 10 repetitions until you feel that you've got that down well. Go for more repetitions if you feel like it. It's definitely a "go with the flow" technique and during your meditation, you just may want to "keep the ball rolling" so to speak.

Always, always, ALWAYS remember that this is a really potent tool to help you get grounded and centered which, over time, will assist you in achieving inner balance and peace.

For best results, do the 10 repetition technique once daily.  Journaling is a wonderful way to track your progress.  Note how you feel each day after the meditation and how you feel during the other parts of your day.  You may be surprised at what a HUGE difference this simple technique can make in your life.

Enjoy!