Knowing The Breath

The other day, I had the opportunity to sit with a group, in my local area. As ever there was a nice mix of what I'd describe as new and old hands. During a discussion after a short sit, one of the participants said, "This is the first time that I've every really sat with myself. This might sound weird, but I just found out that I don't know my own breath." I could only smile and nod my head. I've been there, more than one time.

It's true that we can live in this body that is basically just a loaner or rental for the so-called "Heart-mind." We can feed it, sleep in it, wash it, clothe it, travel in it, sit with it, breath with it and so much more and still not fully know it... if we are not attentive and present with This body.

We can be mindful of the truth that while we have the use of this body, we can strive to appreciate it as a miracle. Someday, we will indeed have to transform and give it back. For this reason we should make the very best use of it and come to know it, especially with the breath, which is a key fuel which animates and enlivens our body. If we are having trouble fully appreciating our breath, exhale completely and then pause for about a moment, before our next inhalation. There no obfuscation within our body. It knows the truth.

As the conversation moved onward, it was noted by several people the differences in breathing at the top of the chest verses moving the breath downward, just below the belly-button. Some participants were insightful enough to notice that when they moved the breath to the "hara, tanden, " the area between the waist and belly button that they felt less anxiety... calm... centered... relaxed... present... less chatter... more available... While focusing the mind was still "difficult," they were hopeful that they could meet the task. On the other side of the coin, they felt it was near impossible to know their breath, when they were breathing in the upper chest area. Just noticing, whether they knew it or not, was like them winning the lottery.

Unifying our Heart-mind and breath, is our clear and open opportunity to wake-up... to see... to experience seamless being. It's all right here, in front of us at this very moment. What's in front of us is not some other time. What's here only the ceaseless now of This breath. We can know It well. All we need to do is, with a focused and directed mind, pay attention to It. And in knowing our breath, we can come to truly know who and what we are, without doubt, gaps, separation or division.

I remember a poem by Kabir that went, "Student, tell me, what is God? He is the breath inside the breath." This is true. Know the breath.

Love All - Serve All - Every Single Day,

Jaye Seiho Morris, Curator
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