Until we know how to breathe properly, we can never control the mind and intellect effectively. In fact, if our breathing is rapid and shallow, the mind is racing around like a caged squirrel. The faster we breathe, the more difficult it is for us to stabilise and focus our minds.
In general, when our breathing is uneven or mechanical, our mind is restless and our attention span is very short. So, our mental stamina is low and we find prolonged concentration extremely stressful. When this happens, we depend on stimulants like coffee, tea and to trigger our faculties. Instead, if we simply activate our breath to bring out the hidden power in us, it stills the galloping mind and makes it focus effortlessly. We will go much deeper into the aspect of breathing a little later in our journey.
However, my dear friend, today I want to share with you a breathing technique called ‘The Cosmic Breath’ which I have found most effective in my own journey to truth.
Now let me make you understand this technique thoroughly. However, before you begin practicing it, I would like you to close your eyes and start listening to some soft, slow, devotional and rhythmic music of your choice for about 10 to 15 minutes. As the music comes to an end, you will observe that your breathing has become slow and deep. This means that your mind has slowed down. When the mind is relaxed, our breathing is also relaxed and vice versa.
As you stay focused and aware of your breathing, you will observe a feeling of lightness in the area of your chest. You are feeling very calm and quiet.
This calmness has nothing to do with the mind. It is a feeling of the heart which becomes a bridge to connect us to the soul. Now take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds without any strain. As you breathe out slowly, chant ‘Om’ which is the special seed syllable of your soul. Just as we respond very quickly when we are addressed by our own name, our Soul responds instantaneously when we chant ‘Om’ by sending us waves and waves of peace and bliss. Now, as you breathe in, chant ‘Om’ once again.
This may be a bit challenging for you initially, as most of us are used to producing sound only as we breathe out.
However, you will get it with a little practice. You may also experience a little stiffness in the area of your ribcage. All this is very natural because you are connecting directly with your Soul. Continue with your practice at a pace that is very comfortable to you.
This article is taken from the book “Between You and Me — Meditation Made Simple” by His Holiness Shri Shri Nimishananda Guruji