Peaceful Breath
While we may breathe in a variety of different ways during specific breathing exercises, and while our breathing will spontaneously change during certain circumstances, for most of our day-to-day lives we will breathe only through the nose and the breath will be long, slow, and quiet. Such breathing will tend to bring feelings of balance, nurturance and peace.
Breathe as lightly, and as quietly,
As possible. Even as you continue reading,
Breathe long, slow, gentle breaths,
In and out through your nose,
While imagining that just below
Your nostrils sits a tray covered with ashes,
And you must breathe ever so lightly,
And ever so softly, not making
Even the slightest ripple of wind,
Nor the slightest vibration of sound,
So that you will not disturb the ashes.
Let your body stay loose and relaxed,
For the slightest tension anywhere
Might disturb the ashes.
Let your mind still, your thoughts quiet,
For the slightest mental agitation
Might disturb the ashes.
For the next few minutes or so,
Continue breathing long, slowly,
And ever so quietly,
Creating no disturbances,
Feeling only peace,
Creating only peace,
As your eyes close
For a few more breaths . . .
With practice, just thinking of the tray of ashes and allowing a few peaceful breaths will create feelings of peace and balance.