Breathing Therapy...
In order for the mind to work properly, there must be oxygen. And to
gather the necessary oxygen (no, none of us gets enough) one must breathe
deeply and as often as it comes to mind. This sounds very elementary,
but it is all too common that we sit for hours, only occassionally taking
a deep breath when our bodies compel us to.
Begin the breathing therapy from the diaphram, inhaling deeply while relaxing the
abdomen, and exhaling forcefully while contracting the abdomen. Do this three or
four times. Inhale now for a count of 4, hold the air in the lungs for 7 seconds, then exhale for
a count of 8. Repeat this several times, then breathe normally.
This process of 4/7/8 will bring far more oxygen into the lungs
than through regular habitual breathing and will also cause a feeling of
slight euphoria. It will take away fatigue yet, at the same time, relax
the body as it tenses through the day's tasks. This should become a new habit
that is practiced every couple of hours (it is excellent while driving).
This process will also begin the practice of meditation.
Beginning Meditation... Meditation is another term for prayer, concentration,
calming, clearing, healing. Meditation will bring the spirit back into focus. There are various schedules
for performing meditation, but the easiest and most convenient is to practice in the morning and
in the evening.
Begin with 10 minutes upon waking and 10 minutes before retiring at night (after all the
face-washing and teethbrushing is finished). Sit or lie in a comfortable place where it is certain
you won't be disturbed. Begin with breathing. Okay, simple enough, but concentration on the breath
helps to calm and refocus attention toward the self.
Place the tongue against the roof of the mouth, right behind the front teeth. You can either leave
the lips slightly open or close them. Breathing through the nose, inhale as deeply as possible,
reaching to the bottom of the lungs, then exhale as completely as possible, clearing the lungs
entirely. Do this three or four times. These breaths initiate the body into breath concentration.
Now, for the serious part. Concentrating on inhalation and exhalation, breath in slowly, seeing
the air coming into the body as cleansing and purifying. Exhale slowly while eliminating with the air
all tension and negativity. See the in-coming air as positive, the exiting air as negative. Continue
to concentrate on the breath. Since it is difficult for the mind to think of two things at once,
this exercise will help the mind to clear itself of other extraneous thoughts. If thoughts or ideas
come into the mind, allow them to pass without evaluating or dwelling on them. The purpose is to
completely empty the mind for the time of meditation.
In a short period of time (usually one or two weeks) the meditator will notice a profound change.
This change can include wonders such as an overall calmness in stressful situations, sudden
answers to questions that have been posed for a long time, unexpected "gifts" from the abundant
universe that surrounds us all.
Meditation has not been around for a few thousand years just to keep us occupied. There is great
benefit in the practice of meditation and the only way to know these benefits, these "gifts", is
to practice on a regular basis. Daily. For as long as you are breathing...
Ritual Recipe for protection:
Pomanders
Pomanders are used as a protective barrier against negative forces, but can also be used
to add organic decoration while lifting the spirits with beautiful aroma.
Supplies needed:
Fruit selected for base
1 Tablespoon EACH ground Cloves, Cinnamon, Ginger, and Nutmeg
1 Tablespoon powdered Orris Root (which can be found in herb shops or online)
Whole Cloves
satin ribbon
1. Mix the spices and orris root together in large bowl. This mixture
will help your pomander dry and increase its fragrance.
It will also help to preserve the pomander.
2. Select firm, ripe fruit with no blemishes.
These can be lemons, limes, apples, oranges or other semi-hard fruits.
3. Use a skewer, such as a sharpened chopstick, to poke holes in the fruit.
4. Push the stems of the cloves into the fruit in some sort of pattern.
This is a time consuming process, but it can be very calming. Try to complete
each fruit in one session.
5. When the fruit is completely covered with cloves, roll
it in the spice and orris root mixture.
6. Leaving it in the spices, place the fruit in the bowl in a cool, dark place.
7. Roll the fruit in the spices every day until the fruit is dry.
8. After the pomanders are completely dry, tie a bright ribbon around
them and place in a bowl. You
can also run a ribbon or wire through the pomanders to hang in
closets or in a room.
These
will last indefinitely.
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