Sensation of your Breath

Most of us 

probably are aware that our sufferings are due to regrets of the past or fears of the future. Being anchored in the present is the key to joy & happiness. I learnt something very simple to understand & practice the art of being present from a profound book, ‘A New Earth’ by Eckhart Tolle.

Sharing.

Breath:
Be aware of your breathing as often as you are able, whenever you remember. Do that for one year, and it will be powerfully transformative.

Be aware of your breathing by notice the sensation of your breath. Feel the air moving in and out of your body. Notice how the chest & the abdomen expand & contract slightly with the in & out breath. One conscious breath is enough to make some space. One conscious breath (two or three would be even better), taken many times a day is an excellent way of bringing space into your life.

Breathing happens by itself. The intelligence within the body is doing it. All you have to do is watch it happening. There is no strain or effort involved. Also, notice the brief cessation of the breath, particularly the still point at the end of the out breath, before you start breathing in again.

Those who want to take the Conscious Breathing Meditation forward can try the following shared by my teacher Nithya Shanti.

How to meditate:

Sit in a place where you will not be disturbed for 30 to 60 mins. Keeps the eyes half closed. To begin with just be aware of the sounds you are hearing. Then notice the natural flow of the breath and the feelings in the body.

Once the mind is somewhat settled, just sit there, doing nothing. If the eyes close naturally that is fine, else keep them half open. Put down the weight of the body, the mind and consciousness itself. Rest in the natural perfection of the present.

Whenever the mind wanders, just notice, and return to the restful state of non-doing. Find a solidity within you which is eternally untouched and unaffected by the passing winds of thoughts and emotions.

This is among the most direct ways to recognize your true nature: your true face before this life and universe was created.

Have fun with all this. Approach it playfully and enjoy the journey home.