Breathe consciously.

There are more than enough resources out there on the benefits of conscious breathing. So, I won’t go into that here. What I do want to share are two of my go-to conscious breathing techniques that have worked well for me.

Lunar Cycle Breathing

I imagine (or literally look at) the moon as I perform this deep breathing exercise. The beginning of my inhale symbolizes the new moon. As my lungs slowly expand, I imagine a waxing crescent moon, a waxing first quarter moon, and then, a waxing gibbous moon. At the top of my breath, I imagine a full moon. I hold my breath here for a moment or two before I release it and allow the moon to begin to wane. Then, as I exhale, I imagine a waning gibbous moon, a waning last quarter moon, a waning crescent moon, and finally, a dark moon. The beginning of my next breath creates another new moon, and the cycle repeats itself as many times as I feel it needs to.

As I focus on breathing, I also pay attention to how my breath, in its various states, matches the energy of the moon during its various phases. The beginning of my inhale feels like a wonderful burst of energy. For just a moment, anything seems possible. As my lungs and the moon become full, I feel a sense of wholeness. I feel a small sense of accomplishment. I pause for just a moment or two so I can enjoy this feeling. Then, as I begin to exhale, I feel a sense of relief. I feel a sense of being able to truly let go. At the end of my exhale, I feel a sense of emptiness. I feel a little bit drained. I feel like I’m being pulled inward emotionally, but I know a new inhale and a new moon are coming soon. I know I am going to breathe again. I know that each moment offers a new beginning, and I know that I am going to be okay.

Breathe in “hugs”, breathe out “gifts”.

This breathing exercise helps me deal with difficult situations and difficult emotions. These can be situations and/or emotions that I am experiencing or ones that others are experiencing. This exercise helps me to process what I am feeling, and it helps me to feel a greater sense of empathy for others.

To do this breathing exercise, I think about whatever situation or emotion I want to deal with, and I breathe it in. While doing so, I visualize giving it a hug. I don’t avoid it. I don’t ignore it. I don’t try to get rid of it. I embrace it and I let it be with me. My attention hugs it and comforts it. As I breathe out, I imagine giving the situation or emotion a gift. And when I give someone, or in this case, something, a gift, I don’t expect anything in return. I am giving simply because I care. Whether or not the situation is resolved, or the emotion dissipates, I feel better. So, an example of this might be that I am feeling fear about something. I will simply breathe in the fear and give it a hug. Then, as I breathe out, I will give the fear the gift of my love. I repeat this until I feel a sense of peace, which I usually feel after just a few deep breaths. Breathe in fear, breathe out love. Breathe in “hugs”, breathe out “gifts”.

Breathe consciously.

I hope others will find these breathing exercises to be helpful. They have worked well for me. If nothing else, I hope you will continue to search for and practice the breathing exercises that work best for you. Sometimes winning the next play is as simple as consciously taking your next breath. Win the next play!