“Welcome to this digital page in cyber space, which holds within it a simplistic philosophy and straightforward instructions to enhance the quality of our existence. By following these techniques, you not only align yourself with the practices of contemporary mindfulness experts but you may also tap into the wisdom of ancient cultures across different eras and geographical boundaries. Within this concise guide, you might find a comprehensive philosophy that eliminates the need for any other distractions or confusion. Let us embark on this transformative reading journey together.” ⸺Dr. Goa Sugo
Introduction: A Journey Towards Enhancing Your Existence
Begin by taking a deep inhalation through your nostrils, allowing the breath to fill you completely. Pause for a few moments, embracing the stillness at its peak, and then exhale gently through your nose. This simple act encompasses the entire technique. We extend our gratitude for your engagement and encourage you to visit our store frequently.
The Misconception of Meditation: My Personal Struggle
When meditation first emerged in the Western world, it was often associated with spirituality and evoked images of distant lands. Personally, I struggled with this notion, as I grappled with my everyday challenges and earthly desires. I didn't always feel like a spiritual person, and as a result, I believed meditation was beyond my reach. This mindset persisted for 25 years until I mustered the courage to persist with my meditation practice, despite feeling that I was not reaping its benefits. I hesitated to speak up during meditation lectures, wondering why I seemed to be the only one missing the point.
A Revelation: The Essence of Meditation and Cultivating Inner Peace
I found it monotonous and ineffective, and I convinced myself that I would not derive any value from it. This became a daily mantra throughout my attempts at meditation. Then, one day, a revelation struck me like a metaphorical lightning bolt—I realized that my understanding of meditation was incomplete. I had been approaching it from the wrong perspective. While meditation can indeed lead to spiritual awakenings, I discovered that its essence lies in cultivating inner peace and tranquility. Through dedicated practice, I gradually gained the ability to direct and regulate the focus of my mind.
Unveiling the Inclination of the Mind and Confronting Anxiety
Over the years, I honed my meditation skills and became an observer of my own thought processes. I delved into the nature of my mind and discovered its inclination to wander and become entangled in various anxieties. This realization unfolded gradually because I had failed to recognize the levels of anxiety that permeated my being. My mind was incessantly judging and constraining my perception of the world, leaving me reactive rather than contemplative.
Overcoming Addiction to Busyness and Embracing Stillness
Despite having overcome many significant addictions early in life, I found myself plagued by a persistent addiction to busyness and an aversion to stillness. I would readily succumb to boredom and, unknowingly, experienced frequent bouts of anxiety. To combat this, I engaged in constant distractions, never allowing myself to simply be. While the concept of 'just being' may seem elusive to some, it serves as a gentle reminder to reconnect with our true essence.
Exploring the Meaning of 'Just Being' and Reconnecting with Our Essence
A helpful exercise to explore the meaning of 'just being' is through writing. To me, it signifies the focused presence of mind, anchoring oneself in the present moment—where reality truly resides. It means relinquishing aimless thoughts about the past, worries about the future, or meandering through the endless labyrinth of my mind.
The Power of Conscious Breathing and Its Impact on Our Physiology
In my best moments, when I embody my authentic self, I experience profound relaxation by immersing myself in the beauty of nature or cherishing the presence of my loved ones. Being fully present in the moment evokes a surge of excitement and gratitude for the mere act of existing. These instances hold tremendous power, as they grant me respite. Conversely, when I become entangled in external matters—such as stress, work pressures, or conflicts—it tightens a knot within me, hindering my happiness. Without a daily practice of calming my mind, it can spiral out of control, leaving me in a constant state of fight or flight, grappling with self-created struggles and suffering.
Mindfulness: Optimizing Other Practices for Maximum Benefit
The solution, however absurd it may seem, lies in mastering the art of conscious breathing and deliberately slowing down, altering our physiology. It may seem overly simplistic, considering the multitude of solutions available to address our psychological challenges. And indeed, those solutions are effective. Engaging in prolific life writing by maintaining a journal can be beneficial. Exploring our subconscious mind and childhood traumas through psychotherapy can yield profound insights. Keeping our bodies fit by going to the gym and engaging in physical activity releases endorphins and promotes well-being. However, if we fail to approach these practices mindfully, we may not fully harness their potential benefits. The key lies in practicing mindfulness—immersing ourselves in the present moment.
Reconnecting with the Present Moment: A Return to Our Natural State
As young children, we naturally resided in the present moment because our bodies compelled us to do so. However, as we grew, we learned to dissociate from the present, influenced by those around us as a defense mechanism. So, let's cut to the chase and explore the solution if you've had enough of the theoretical groundwork.
Conscious Breathing: Unlocking Cognitive Potential and Minimizing Stress
Let's delve into why conscious breathing is effective. Oxygen, the primary element that sustains our lives on this planet, is absorbed through the breath. The brain requires a continuous supply of oxygen-rich blood to function optimally. When we sense danger, our heart rate increases. If our breathing becomes shallow during this heightened state, we deprive ourselves of sufficient oxygen. Consequently, a physical sensation of anxiety ensues, and the heart signals the brain via the vagus nerve that danger is imminent.
In response, the brain promptly switches off the energy-intensive intellectual thinking processes and reverts to the reptilian brain. I mean no disrespect to reptiles—they are indeed intelligent creatures within their domain. However, this reptilian mode of thinking is ill-suited for complex cerebral tasks that humans undertake, such as driving a car or navigating subway stations. With reduced oxygen supply, the brain functions at a diminished capacity.
This is a matter of chemistry and science, devoid of any association with yoga postures, tai chi, martial arts masters, or fictional characters like Peter Pan. When anxiety grips us, and our breathing turns shallow, we deprive ourselves of the necessary oxygen to operate at our cognitive peak, whatever that may be. We remain in an anxious state until we restore our heart rate to normalcy.
The only way to achieve this is by taking deep breaths through the nose and exhaling for an equal measure of time, thereby relaxing our breath and infusing our system with ample oxygen.
As a result, the heart sends a signal to the brain that all is well. The brain then activates the higher level of functioning, our true selves. We have unwittingly developed lifelong habits of shallow breathing and perpetuated a state of anxiety—fight, flight, or freeze—for the majority of our lives. Many of our significant decisions have been influenced by this primal state. We struggle because anxiety holds us captive, preventing us from accessing the higher source of wisdom within ourselves.
Deep Breathing as a Foundation for Personal Growth and Emotional Healing
The path to improved thinking and happiness begins with disciplining ourselves to take long, deep breaths throughout the day, particularly when anxiety looms. Cultivating self-awareness is key, and this requires practice.
To truly internalize the practice of conscious breathing, it's helpful to surround yourself with subtle reminders that prompt you to return to the breath for 3 to 5 rounds or cycles of deep breaths. Does this mean all your problems will vanish? Not necessarily. However, what it does mean is that you can approach your problems from a higher state of mind, preventing them from escalating further.
Take a moment to breathe. Please, thank you. But remember, this practice requires persistence until it becomes ingrained as a habit that positively influences your physiology and subsequently transforms the way you think. Is that all there is to it? No. We still have much work to do. Achieving a calm state of mind is just the beginning, allowing you to tap into your genius and assemble IKEA furniture effortlessly without consulting the instructions. However, it's advisable to engage in breathing exercises before tackling such tasks, optimizing your brain power and minimizing stress.
Furthermore, there is valuable philosophy yet to explore, enabling us to perceive the world from a more accurate perspective. Before entering a therapy session, take 10 long, deep breaths and allow yourself to discuss your feelings openly. If negative emotions arise, take deep breaths again, enabling you to stay present with those emotions and explore them more deeply rather than shutting down.
It's still important to keep our favorite self-help books by our nightstands, taking deep breaths before diving into their wisdom and recognizing the significance of reading just one page a day. When we visit the gym or attend a fitness class, let us acknowledge the importance of focusing on and connecting with our breath, allowing it to facilitate relaxation and bring out our best.
Now, I understand that grasping the benefits of these exercises can be challenging for many. As someone who has experienced firsthand the rewards of practicing these techniques consistently—repeating them countless times throughout the day, integrating them into your very being—I can assure you of their potency. Most of us still cling to the belief that material possessions, academic achievements, luxurious homes, or stylish attire will be the ultimate sources of happiness. Yet, even when we attain these things, we may still feel impoverished, insecure, unloved, anxious, and confused.
Placing our happiness and inner peace solely in external circumstances is a precarious endeavor. It's far wiser to ground our sense of relaxation and joy in the simplicity of returning to our breath and anchoring ourselves in the present moment. There are a myriad of other lessons we need to learn, but it all begins with this foundational practice.
After taking a long, deep breath, allow me to share with you the importance of combining deep breathing with contemplation on the concept of acceptance. When you consciously breathe deeply and reflect on what acceptance truly means, you can delve into the reasons behind your anger or frustration.
Stay with the breath as you explore these emotions, and over time, you will gain a deeper understanding of the root causes of your reactions. With this awareness, you can choose to shift to a different emotional state if necessary. It's worth noting that this technique may not be as effective for children, as they possess a natural ability to redirect their thoughts. However, as adults, it becomes imperative for us to master this practice. Now that you are aware of this secret, there is nothing else that stands in your way.
Now, let's move on to the next lesson, one that has been shared by masters from diverse cultures throughout history. It revolves around harnessing the power of nasal breathing exercises to reduce anxiety and positively impact our physiology.
Here's the profound truth: There is no inherent stress, and there are no insurmountable problems. Take a moment to sit down, breathe deeply, and cultivate a sense of gratitude. Shift your perspective on everything you need to accomplish, viewing them as opportunities for growth and reasons to embrace each new day. Take another deep breath and allow yourself to fully absorb this reality. Release the notion of perceiving things as problems to be solved, and instead embrace them as invitations to expand your understanding and experience personal growth.
The reason this type of thinking is important to us is that it leads us to the next step of consciousness.
Present-Moment Awareness: The Key to Psychological and Emotional Work
I understand that the first stage of consciousness is to stabilize oneself and cultivate a state of relaxation and calmness through the practice of connecting with the breath. This foundational practice allows us to focus on the present moment and develop mental control.
Spirituality can sometimes be seen as a contradiction when initially embarking on a journey of intellectual, philosophical, psychological, and emotional healing. It is important to recognize that there can be confusion between spiritual practices and emotional states. Some individuals may engage in spiritual bypassing or deny their emotions altogether. In the beginning, it is crucial to focus on the mental practice of controlling and relaxing the mind.
Once we have established a sense of mental stability and control through practices like breath awareness, we can then explore more complex subjects such as consciousness, self-identity, and the nature of existence. By cultivating a strong foundation of present-moment awareness and mental control, we are better equipped to delve into deeper aspects of our being and address past traumas and emotional states.
Cultivating Tools for Self-Discovery and Managing Inner Experiences
Connecting with the breath and cultivating present-moment awareness are indeed cornerstone practices in various philosophies and paths that aim to alleviate suffering. When we develop these skills, it becomes easier to engage in psychological and emotional work. Having tools, such as conscious breathing, allows us to manage our reactions, listen to our inner experiences, and explore different aspects of our character and personal history.
It is important to note that the language used in this discussion is based on personal experience and is more philosophical in nature than scientific fact. These ideas are subject to change and should be viewed as personal perspectives rather than absolute truths. The intention is not to judge others but rather to share insights and perspectives as a perpetual student on this journey of self-discovery.
Conclusion: Personal Perspectives on the Journey of Self-Discovery
In conclusion, this transformative journey towards enhancing your existence starts with conscious breathing and present-moment awareness. By developing a strong foundation in these practices, you can tap into your inner wisdom, manage stress and anxiety, and explore the deeper aspects of your being. Remember, this is a continuous process that requires persistence and self-reflection. As you embark on this journey, embrace the simplicity of connecting with your breath and allow it to guide you towards greater peace, clarity, and personal growth. May your path be filled with profound insights and a deep sense of well-being.