Last night I was meditating and was overwhelmed with joy over something simple-breathing.

It is something we take for granted, but for a short time last night i was thrilled to be breathing-i thought of the time when I would not be able to do it anymore-I was not afraid, but thinking that that time is inevitable, that there really will be a "last breath", made every breath I took a revelation, each inhalation an energizing pull-I stayed there awhile, and soaked in that warmth-just knew I had to post it today. Don't know why, but just had to.

-- FutureShock (gray@matter.think), September 26, 2000

Answers

You're right FS, breathing is not something to be taken for granted, especially with the possibility that Bush and Dick could soon be running the country.

-- repugnant agenda (burn@more.oil), September 26, 2000.

I do that from time to time, FS. Imagine my last few breaths of air. You just don't think about it normally, but it's such a pleasure to be able to breath in and out unobstructed and at will.

-- kritt (kritter@adelphia.net), September 26, 2000.

Every few days I hyperventilate just for the Xstasy of it....in fact I am doing it right now. Oooooooooooooooooooooooooh!

-- (nemesis@awol.com), September 26, 2000.

nem,

do that squating, peeing and drinking worm induced Vodka...it's the sac!

-- Peg (too@much.spam), September 26, 2000.

Thanks, FS.

For those times when one is hyped up from the activities of the day, when the body and mind, singularly or together, are making too much noise to sit for meditation...sit anyway. :0)

Paramahansa Yogananda taught a simple breathing technique for just those times. It is termed 20-20-20 breathing. I use it often and vouch for its effectiveness at quieting the body and the mind, allowing the time set aside for meditation to be that much more productive (my description).

The basic premise is to silently count to 20 as one inhales slowly and evenly through the nose. Gently hold the breath and count to 20. Exhale through the mouth slowly and evenly while counting to, you guessed it, 20. Expel every last whisp of breath if possible. Remain in the breathless state as long as is comfortable. Repeat the process six times or more.

Comfort is a key with this technique. Do not strain at any point. The idea is to CALM body and mind, not stress them. One can count to 10 if this is more comfortable. The number isn't important.

There are many, many techniques. None can be effective for you until they are employed. Find what works for you and USE it!

Peace - Rich

-- Bingo1 (howe9@shentel.net), September 26, 2000.

Grasshoppers, inhale through left nostril, exhale through right

-- (zen_master@Katmandu.dojo), September 27, 2000.

Zen Master that was funny!!! Thanks FS just tried the breathing exercise and it did ease my nerves.

Best,

ZEN ZEN

-- zen zen wakaranai (hopping to the grass@aol.com), September 27, 2000.

OH YES!!! I love to inhale and I like the holding of the breath till I gently exhale and my eyes roll around in my head,tis truly a blessing that I never take for granted ; )

Peg,

Please,explain further,is this FUN?

-- capnfun (capnfun1@excite.com), September 27, 2000.

In for 6, hold for 24, exhale for 12. That be mine, Bingo. Forgot which eastern author gave me that one-works well for me in conjunction with progressive muscle relaxation.

-- FutureShock (gray@matter.think), September 27, 2000.

That is an interesting ratio, FS. I'll have to give that a whirl.

My exhalation can be drawn out indefinitely, it seems. Very comfortable. But I stick with the 1-1-1 ratio as I can achieve a state of near breathlessness most quickly and effectively with this method. Whatever gets ya there!

Best,

-- Bingo1 (howe9@shentel.net), September 27, 2000.