Today I just don’t feel peaceful.  Breathing feels so difficult – and I sure do not want to focus on any of it.

My first calming breath began ok. Then, irritation bubbled up, poking sharply at my precariously centered mind until it threatened to topple over.

In times like this, I use a breath that I learned from one of the many great books written by Dr. Andrew Weil. He calls his exercise the 4-7-8 breath (exercise number two on this page).

This breathing exercise is not just a “let things be” breath. It’s a regain control of a distinctly non-peaceful mind breath.  It’s simple – and it works.

Dr. Weil’s 4-7-8 Breath

Exhale completely through the mouth.
Breathe in to the count of 4.
Hold the breath to the count of 7.
Breathe out slowly through pursed lips to the count of 8.
Repeat 4 times.

Dr. Weil suggests that you hold your tongue in the yogic position. Place the tip of your tongue on the ridge of skin just behind your top teeth and hold it there the entire time you do the 4-7-8 Breath.

Sometimes I do that, sometimes I don’t. It is very useful though when your mind needs more to focus on and is immensely helpful for those times when it is difficult to convince your brain to be open to peace.

Do give it a try. When you are done with four rounds of 4-7-8 breathing, try breathing with the Three Breaths. Then sit and watch your breath as it goes in and out. Let the tongue lie where it may.

Breathe with me now and enjoy the peace.

When we return from this brief meditation, share your peace with the whole world by cooking some good food. What will you cook today?

Peace,

Janice

#I Declare World Peace, #idwp, #blog4peace