Spirit of Breath
As my breath teacher and other wise beings have observed, the first thing we do when we enter this world is take a breath and the last thing we do is take a breath. Breath is the bookend of our life in human body form. Those of you who have practiced with me know that I’m kind of geeky about breath. The more I learn and practice, the more it becomes apparent that breath contains a piece of the answer to all puzzles of life. Yes, I said all puzzles of life. And the more I immerse in breath, the more I realize that my understanding is limited… and sufficient enough while allowing for ongoing expansion.
Years ago, after 20 years of daily Centering Prayer, I asked my spiritual director if it was okay to adjust my posture in this practice. Twenty years of following the practice as it was taught to me! On one hand, given my ‘why’ and often labeled rebellious nature, it is a testimony to the power of this practice that it was not questioned early. Conversely, I can still recall the spiritual director’s response, with a rather large smile as if stifling a laugh, ‘Rhonda, after all these years of practice it is time to give yourself permission to experiment.’
And experiment I did, including a recognition that at some point it was the ego informing the daily practice. I’m fully supportive of a consistent practice; it is my personal anchor. And allowing that practice to morph and change with us is often necessary, while knowing we can always come back to what we left. Especially if it means letting go of the count, and returning because it is what supports us.
In the more recent years, I have continued to turn to mentors, teachers, scripture and more for guidance, inspiration, support and practices. Plus, I have also deepened my connection to, and trust in, my inner knowing. Through daily practices that invite me to immerse in the quiet of meditation, with or without movement, this recognition deepens.
All of these practices have a breath component to them. A conscious, directed, attending to breath aspect that is sometimes the primary focus and other times it is embedded in the practice. It is what invites us to be present. Spirit of Breath guides, transforms, immerses, and prods and stills. A simple practice of observing the breath can be all it takes to move from anxiousness to calm and peace. Wondering how to do this? Here’s a short, guided practice to do just that.
We are invited to witness the fluctuations of the mind, or energy of thought, and move to being the observer and away from the reactor. Beneath this possibility lies the recognition that we are all really seeking the same thing – love in the unconditional, purest form. The love that connects and unites, the love that embraces what is as it is, the love that is Source/Divine/God. Our mind will often get in the way of this, it is part of the human experience. Spirit of Breath will guide us back. Try it often throughout your day. It matters. It makes a difference in how we show up for ourselves, and in how we show up for life.
Beginning July 20th, our 3rd Quarter ‘Accessing Your Inner Mentor’ series begins; this is a small, intimate group experience that includes breath components in every gathering. Curious? More information can be found here.