Words to Ponder: Contemplative Practices Part lII

Third in the lineup: Breathing

How simple it is, and how little we tend to pay attention to it. In paying attention to our inhalations and exhalations we can move from an imbalanced, confused, anxious, and uncertain physical, mental, and emotional state to one that is grounded, focused, relaxed, energized and at peace all in one beautiful moment.

In Zen practice, which I discussed in the previous page on contemplative practices, there is a method of zazen, or sitting meditation, which is simply following the breath as a place of focus in which internal centering can occur. Just noticing your inhaling and your exhaling when one flows into the other, you can witness and welcome powerful states of being.