When the rain just doesn't quit... Stay in tune with universal rhythms for a happier life.

Good day Steemers!  I wanted to share a few simple techniques for beating the winter blues, because it still feels like winter here :(  I'm guessing there are a few of you who are wishing for sunnier skies and warmer days.  If there is one thing we have to accept it's what the weather is doing.  So, we can either mope around feeling bummed and lethargic, or we can bring ourselves back up to a healthy, happy level internally.

The environment has a DRAMATIC affect on our bodies.  Whether it be not getting enough Vitamin D (such is the case here in Vancouver) or the air quality, or the cold temperatures.  All have a direct link to how we feel in our bodies, our energy levels and what we chose to do with our time.

First of all, the earth and the universe have a certain rhythmic flow, and so do our bodies.  When our internal rhythm becomes unbalanced, or out of the flow with our environment, then we can become uncomfortable, irritable or just plain dissatisfied with how we feel.  Everything is connected in this magnificent masterpiece of a universe!  So becoming conscious of our very subtle feelings.. not just our emotions, but our internal clock of wisdom and acting with CLARITY, can help to generate positive emotions and bring about right action.. leading to greater happiness in our lives.

Taking cues from the earth can be helpful.  So, when it rains and pours and doesn't stop for days, I take it as a chance to spend some time reflecting and looking at some of the areas in my life that need to be showered with attention and love.

Okay, coming up, a few breathing exercises and meditations to help bring clarity and help to recharge.. maybe a bit of a draining battery?  ENERGY IS OUR VITAL LIFE FORCE!  There are many ways to bring that life force to the center of our being, where you have the power to change it into whatever we wish/need.  The power to create change is inside of us at all times, deep within our belly.  

Get in touch with that power, and we become unstoppable.  The answers to all our questions, the remedy to all our fears, the key to our greatest happiness is inside our physical bodies.  

Our DNA holds the key.  Getting in touch with our breath is the first step to unlocking it...

Breathing exercise #1

Sit comfortably cross-legged on a cushion or on a couch if you need back support.
Place your right hand on your solar-plexus (just below your ribcage)
Place the other hand on your heart.
Close your eyes.
Breathe, and notice the sensation of your heartbeat through your hands.
Now notice your breath expanding your belly and moving up through your lower to upper chest and throat.
Imagine this beautiful clean air seeping into every limb and every cell of your body.
Sit with these sensations, breathing in deeply through your nose and out through your mouth.
Do not try to control your breathing, simply observe it.
Sit for as long as you can stay focussed and it feels nourishing.  
When your mind wanders, acknowledge it, but do not follow it's stories.
Always come back to the breath.. in and out.

Breathing exercise #2 - Good one if you find your mind wandering in the first breathing exercise.  It helps very much  with concentration

Sit comfortably eyes closed.
Place your palms facing the sky.
Deep breath in the nose to the count of six.
Hold the breath at the top for a count of four.
Now breathe out through your mouth for 1..2..3..4..5..6
DON'T hold your breath out at the bottom.
Breathe IN 1..2..3..4..5..6
Hold 4..3..2..1
Breathe OUT 1..2..3..4..5..6
Do for as long as feels nourishing and uplifting.  

Bringing our consciousness to this vital life force helps to clarify our intentions for our life.

Breathing exercise #3 - Great for balancing and harmonizing our Yin/Yang energies, also known as our "Subtle Bodies" (ie: emotional and mental bodies)

Sit comfortably with eyes closed.
Place your right index and middle finger on your forehead just above your eyebrows. Resting gently on the point of the 3rd Eye (the pineal gland).
Plug your right nostril with your thumb and BREATHE IN YOUR LEFT NOSTRIL.
Unplug your right nostril and plug your left nostril with your ring finger.
BREATHE OUT YOUR RIGHT NOSTRIL.
Visualize the breath entering your body and cleansing your body.
Visualize the 3rd Eye.
Repeat, switching sides.

Do this for as long as you can keep your concentration.

ONE MORE energizing and purifying meditation by Richard Rudd the author of GENE KEYS.  An incredible book and map to a raised awareness and self discovery.  

This meditation will make you feel amazing GUARANTEED!  

"The Blessing of the Five Elements"

Close your eyes.
*Say outloud or to yourself...  

*Angel of the Earth, please purify my physical body.
Breathe a few breaths imagining your body being cleansed and purified.
*Angel of Water, please purify my Emotional Body.
Breathe, visualize water, pouring through you, washing your hurt and sorrow away.  Cleansing, purifying.
*Angel of Air, please purify my Mental Body.
Breathe, imagine your worries and stories being swept away.  Clearing space, providing movement and change.
*Angel of Fire, please sanctify my Spirit.  
Breathe, and imagine all of your impurities being transformed through brilliant, bright flames of rapture.  Purifying, cleansing your aura and your essence.
*Angel of the Aether,  gather the Quintessence.  (The magical fifth element - "The Buddha Fever")

Start your day with this meditation and watch as life and the universe aligns to support your goals and ultimately, your highest purpose.

*Quintessence - more on this... stay tuned!

Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy the physical and emotional benefits of conscious breathing.

Namaste
jaimelee