Intimate Breathing
Overview
This practice has your focus and attention on the physical bodily sensations caused by the breathing process. Belly Breathing should be used while practicing Intimate Breathing. Once you are comfortably practicing belly breathing shift your attention to the nostrils. Focus on the air entering into the nostrils. Notice if the air might be entering more freely in one nostril than another, the perceived coolness of the air on the wall of the nostrils, if the hairs within the nostrils are moving and how the nostrils expand on the inhale of breath. Notice the air on the back of the throat and the breath going down the bronchial tubes. Check to see if it is ruffled or flowing smoothly. Pay attention to the air in front of the nostrils before it enters the nostrils. Notice how each of these sensations change on each exhale. If your mind wanders, slowly and gently bring it back to watching the sensations that the breath causes on the body. Be non-judgemental and accepting of whatever is happening with the breathing process.
Frequency
When you are comfortably breathing from the abdomen, shift into Intimate Breathing. Begin with five to ten minutes. Lengthen the time as you see fit.
Posture
Standing, walking, lying down or sitting.
Benefit
Self healing by stimulating and toning the parasympathetic nervous system which helps calm the mind, emotions and body while alleviating the feeling of pain. Additionally, this practice enhances awareness and sensitivity to the more subtle or softer sensations that are experienced in the body that are caused by negative emotions or mental activity. As awareness is enhanced, it becomes easier to identify stress and anxiety in the body so that Belly Breathing can be more immediately applied to calm the mind, emotions and body.
Overview
This practice has your focus and attention on the physical bodily sensations caused by the breathing process. Belly Breathing should be used while practicing Intimate Breathing. Once you are comfortably practicing belly breathing shift your attention to the nostrils. Focus on the air entering into the nostrils. Notice if the air might be entering more freely in one nostril than another, the perceived coolness of the air on the wall of the nostrils, if the hairs within the nostrils are moving and how the nostrils expand on the inhale of breath. Notice the air on the back of the throat and the breath going down the bronchial tubes. Check to see if it is ruffled or flowing smoothly. Pay attention to the air in front of the nostrils before it enters the nostrils. Notice how each of these sensations change on each exhale. If your mind wanders, slowly and gently bring it back to watching the sensations that the breath causes on the body. Be non-judgemental and accepting of whatever is happening with the breathing process.
Frequency
When you are comfortably breathing from the abdomen, shift into Intimate Breathing. Begin with five to ten minutes. Lengthen the time as you see fit.
Posture
Standing, walking, lying down or sitting.
Benefit
Self healing by stimulating and toning the parasympathetic nervous system which helps calm the mind, emotions and body while alleviating the feeling of pain. Additionally, this practice enhances awareness and sensitivity to the more subtle or softer sensations that are experienced in the body that are caused by negative emotions or mental activity. As awareness is enhanced, it becomes easier to identify stress and anxiety in the body so that Belly Breathing can be more immediately applied to calm the mind, emotions and body.