Refrain from thinking too much; it usually only inhibits the spirit, the High Self, from being heard. Instead, let quiet permeate the mind, and the creative will soon stir within you. In this manner, notice the beauty that abounds in your world, the peace and calmness that surround you, and the joy that life offers. In simple mindlessness, without thought or ego intrusion, note how everything is just fine, how there are no problems and all is well, all is well. Practice quiet meditation throughout the day, a minute here and a minute there, and this is what you will experience.
There’s nothing like a calm belly breath… – Photo by Jan Ketchel
Beta brainwaves are active when we think, hence, they are the dominant brainwave of waking life. Typically, our consciousness is preoccupied with an internal dialogue that operates semi-consciously, as it judges, categorizes, projects possibilities, and relives lived experiences.
The subconscious mind treats the mental scenarios generated by the internal dialogue as actual facts and prepares the body to cope with their impact. Hence, the mere anticipation of an upcoming performance might generate a fear, which triggers the release of adrenalin to gear up for the challenge, as if it were happening now.
The resulting constriction in the body is accompanied by shallow breath. In fact, if one observes one’s breath when engaged with the internal dialogue, one is likely to notice both shallow upper-chest breathing and modestly long periods of holding of the breath.
These breathing patterns reinforce to the subconscious mind the presence of a danger that requires a sustained state of anxiety. The subconscious does not think rationally, it acts, based upon the body sensations and mental imaginings it is presented with.
Cognitive behavioral therapy capitalizes on this dynamic of thought-generating feeling and behavior by encouraging one to consciously control one’s thoughts. Mainstream medicine may prescribe beta blockers, a class of drugs that control the impact of adrenaline on the body, particularly the heart.
Abdominal breathing shuts down the internal dialogue, as it introduces alpha brainwaves to the body. Alpha is a restful, calm, relaxed brainwave. When in meditation, alpha is experienced as a mindful state of presence that does not attach to sensations, feelings, or mental meanderings. In alpha, one consciously removes attention from the internal dialogue.
To consciously introduce alpha brainwaves via the breath, focus on the belly for the entire breath. Allow the chest and upper chest to remain completely dormant. Imagine the belly to be a balloon that you slowly fill up to capacity, hold, and then release. Abdominal breathing is also called diaphragmatic breathing, as the diaphragm pushes downward as the balloon fills up.
Specifically, count to the count of 8 during the inhalation, hold for the count of 8, then exhale fully to the count of 8. When you complete the exhalation hold the breath for a count of 4, then repeat the pattern, beginning with an inhalation to the count of 8.
This pattern of 8-8-8-4 can be repeated for as long as one feels comfortable. Notice the resulting shift in mental, emotional, and physical states. Of course, feel free to modify the count as needed to fit your comfortability.
In fact, just practice taking a deep abdominal breath or two at any time, and notice how it breaks one’s fixation upon an anxiety-generating thought, feeling, and mental state. Achieving this calm with the introduction of alpha waves can allow for a more useful contemplation than the unnerving mental activity of the internal dialogue.
When things are intense the wise calm themselves, not letting in that which is outside, breathing deeply, letting the breath calm the body and the heart calm the mind. In calm, centered breathing the heart hears the signal to be the center of decision making, and wisdom becomes its norm. Turn inward and let the heart speak its wisdom when things get tough, and notice how nothing draws a reaction from you and how all is calm within. This is good.
Find the joy in life, even as you must deal with the pain. Keep an open and calm heart and hope for the best, even in times of the greatest stress. With a calm heart remember to breathe, and allow your body to bring you to the state of calmness that will allow you to be open to receive the gifts of change that are upon you. In calmness find your way and in calmness let yourself be open to receive.
Seek balance each day in all you do. Breathe. Let nature show you what balance looks like, feels like, smells like and sounds like. Sometimes it rains all day and night and sometimes it’s a sunny day and the night sky is filled with stars. Both of those days are in perfect balance with what is. Let balance within reflect balance without. Let what is, no matter its form, dictate the balance for the moment and in each moment find perfection, grace and peace. In each moment breathe. That’s balance.
