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Old 06-26-2010, 08:02 AM
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Mari Mari is offline
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Join Date: Sep 2006
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15 yr Member
Mari Mari is offline
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 18,914
15 yr Member
Default Three Breathing Exercises from Andrew Weil

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART00521...exercises.html

Hi,
This is my favorite of Weil's breathing techniques.
It is harder than it sounds.
I used to use it and found that it helped me.

Quote:
Exercise 3:
Breath Counting
If you want to get a feel for this challenging work, try your hand at breath counting, a deceptively simple technique much used in Zen practice.

Sit in a comfortable position with the spine straight and head inclined slightly forward. Gently close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Then let the breath come naturally without trying to influence it. Ideally it will be quiet and slow, but depth and rhythm may vary.

* To begin the exercise, count "one" to yourself as you exhale.
* The next time you exhale, count "two," and so on up to "five."
* Then begin a new cycle, counting "one" on the next exhalation.

Never count higher than "five," and count only when you exhale. You will know your attention has wandered when you find yourself up to "eight," "12," even "19."

Try to do 10 minutes of this form of meditation.
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"Thanks for this!" says:
waves (06-26-2010)