Now that we're mostly unpacked and settled here in the great state of Texas, it's time to return to my daily project of working my way through Timothy Roderick's book, Wicca: A Year And A Day. I'm going to pick up right where I left off, at day 9. If you've forgotten what we were doing, day 8 was all about types of meditation and picking the right one. Today continues in the meditation series of lessons.
Today's lesson focuses on breathing, which isn't necessarily as easy as it seems. Many people go through life never aware of their breath or breathing practices. The fact is, though, there is a correct way to breathe, not only for magical and meditational purposes, but for health purposes as well.
Most people breathe from the tops of their chests. Try it out: take a deep breath. If you are like 96% of the population, your chest expands, and your shoulders rise towards your ears. Uncomfortable, right? (Oh, let that breath out now, you're turning blue!) It's uncomfortable because it's wrong for your body. When you breathe, it's important to move your diaphragm, not your chest. The easiest way to practice this is to lay flat on your back and place a book or two on your stomach. As you breathe in, concentrate on keeping your chest still, instead pushing the books on your stomach up. Don't worry if it takes you a few tries; it can take some practice.
If you've ever watched a baby sleeping, you know that they breathe this way naturally. So what happens? As we age, and encounter the stresses of life, we forget how to breathe. Our breath becomes shallower when we're under stress (and many of us are under some sort of stress most of the time), and our bodies begin to accept this "stress breathing" as natural. Anyone who has training as a wind instrumentalist or singer knows that the first step you take into the musical world is re-training yourself to breathe in this way, because it is the only way to correctly play your instrument without passing out from hyperventilation.
So, why is breathing so important? Because correct breathing practices help align our spiritual energies. If you don't believe me, try it for just a moment. Close your eyes and take several deep, slow breaths, being sure to breathe from the diaphragm. Go ahead, I'll wait.
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Feel that? As you breathe in and out slowly and correctly, the tension in your body drains away and your spiritual energy awakens. It becomes easier to focus, and your body feels more awake and alive. Breath focus is also a great method of grounding and centering yourself.
Try adding this practice, even if only for a few minutes to your morning and evening devotions. I'll bet you notice a difference not just in your spiritual practice, but in your daily life as well.
Happy practicing!
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