When I first started learning about deep breathing exercises and meditation I had this pre-conceived notion of sitting very still for long periods of time, my body like a statue, my breathing hardly discernable to an onlooker.
Little did I know that this was not the only way to achieve a meditative experience.
In my discussions with people they often deem meditation an activity for ‘hippies’ from a bygone era that is for those people who are essentially away with the fairies! However, this could not be further from the truth!
You see meditation comes in all forms and guises. Yes, sometimes it does consist of silent, still, contemplation. Nothing wrong with that at all. What I also discovered was that it can come in a very energised form, a meditative experience yes, but one that blows the cobwebs out of your mind and body and provides you with the impetus to take action!
I have become a firm believer in such types of meditation. Ever heard of the saying “movement is superior to meditation”? Well this is a means to combine the two and create a wonderful way to increase focus on goals while energising the body.
As an example of such a meditation check out the exercise below.
1. Sit or stand comfortably with your back straight.
2. From this position begin breathing in and out through your nose rapidly.
3. While doing this your chest and abdomen acts almost like bellows pumping rhythmically along with your breath.
4. Perform this initially for a minute. See how you feel. It is a dynamic breathing exercise that requires some getting used to. Once you have a feel for the breathing slowly add more time.
This is a great and quick way to energise you. Also (if you wish) while performing it add in a mental image of a goal you wish to achieve. See it as a success. Allow your rising energy levels to combine and merge with this positive image and you will feel compelled to use this energy to achieve this objective!
Give this a whirl and feel the positive benefits!
By Tim Webb 2005
