The Breath of Consciousness

feeling perpetual movement

Breathing, when “allowed" to happen fully and without restriction, does so in an integrated motion that evokes very slight patterns or movement as seen with gait, due to the "reflexive" nature of biomechanics. For example: stand up and place your weight distribution evenly on your feet with your arms by your side. Take 2-3 steps. Stop and repeat. Which foot is taking the first step? That's the "tonal" quality of gait development, preset so-to-speak...the coordination between arms and legs, and the counter-rotation of the spine from the occiput to the pelvis. It is the most fundamental, all important movement of our body when performing any movement within our spaces. And, breathing is the most integrated fourth dimensional movement as discussed in Mind/Dimensions. So, breathing incorporates the expansion and contraction of the fourth and the evoltion of the gait itself. The gait pattern that very subtly occurs with breathing creates a pivotal point just behind mid-sternum at T4/T5 thoracic vertebra, the center of a three dimensional figure 8 pattern with opposing rotation between the upper and lower body. This results in a “stillness" within movement at the fulcrum point. Within stillness there is less of the effort of self and can be a very powerful doorway to healing and self-realizations.

Bringing your awareness to what should be your normal breathing process as it occurs without effort or tension can be very powerful. Most people do best either slightly reclining in a recliner or on a sofa, but feel free to experiment. At first you may need to breathe a little deeper than normal. Inhale and exhale through the nose. Initially, do this as an exercise in the morning and/or evening for as long as you would like, but at least 10 minutes to integrate it. I cannot over-emphasize how powerful this can be. I know what you must be thinking. "I have been breathing since birth and have never noticed anything related to a conscious shift". Give it a chance! You may be surprised.

Bring your "mind's eye" into your body. "Experience" the breath from your body as opposed to "perceiving" the breath from the head. Experience the "movement" created by your breath.

Breathe with the whole body (like a balloon) allowing inhalation to expand your body in all directions simultaneously; side to side, front to back, and up and down. As you exhale, allow the body to relax in all directions as well. Bring your awareness into the pelvis. If you notice any area of the pelvis not expanding, simply relax the muscles and allow your breath to move into that area. Repeat the process by bringing your awareness into the shoulders, neck and head.

This next component is very important. Bring your awareness to a point at the very top of your head and a point at the very base of the pelvis just in front of the rectum. As you breathe in, these two points should gently move away from one another as the body elongates and relaxes toward one another as you exhale. This is a good way to ensure that your body is integrating the vertical component. With this, you should begin to feel the head and pelvis roll slightly downward as you inhale causing the cervical curve to increase slightly and the lumbar curve to slightly decrease. As you exhale, you should begin to feel the head and pelvis roll slightly upward causing the cervical curve to decrease slightly and the lumbar curve to slightly increase.

At any point, you can bring your attention to any aspect of the breathing process to allow further re- education.

At this point, you may feel a light sensation of movement in the center upper chest, i.e., the sternum or breastbone. This is the pivotal point of the breathing process, which is very dependent on the expansion and relaxation between the head and pelvis.

Over the next few days, with continued awareness of the movement of your body, especially the center upper chest, you can begin to allow your breath to become slower and lighter (not necessarily shallow). At this point, think of inhalation and exhalation analogous to slowly stretching and slowly releasing a rubber band. Keeping in mind that this analogue is referring to the simultaneous expansion and relaxation in ALL directions. As you reach the end of inspiration allow the breath to lightly float. This is the same sensation you feel when jumping on a trampoline. Simply slow the breath as you reach the end of expansion with inspiration. Then, let the breath ease into expiration. Again, this is in all direction. You will feel the greatest sensation of floating behind the sternum. As you continue breathing, trust your body to find its natural innate rhythm. This simply allows for an experience of even greater ease and stillness.

Once integrated, bring your attention to your breath for a few seconds to a few minutes as it comes to your awareness throughout the day. This is one of the easiest and direct avenues for bringing stillness and ease into any and every moment. This is a re-learning process that believe it or not is natural and will come back to you...simply be patient.