breath awareness | rivers of light . com

by Judith Bobbe, LCSW

http://www.personal-discovery-chicago.com/meditation-and-mindfulness-practices/

” An old grandfather is speaking to his grandson about what causes the violence and cruelty in the world. “In each human heart,” he tells the boy, “there are two wolves battling one another—one is fearful and angry, and the other is understanding and kind.” The young boy then asks, “Which one will win?” His grandfather smiles and says, “Whichever one we choose to feed” Tara Brach

We each have energies within which we nurture and feed. Our own thoughts and habits feed our energies. The fires of love build connections and the fires of anger create disconnection.

There is a choice we can each make every day – do we feed the fires of anger, fear and resentment, or the fire of love?

Feeding the fire of self-knowledge, and compassion offers us clear perception and ease in connecting with the world.

The fires of anxiety and silent smoldering embers of anger, on the other hand, drain the life force and cause deep unhappiness.

Until we take the time to notice and to think about it, we can by habit, feed emotional tendencies which cause unhappiness. We can learn how to cultivate the inner fire of light and self- love instead.

The true self is self- luminous and we can develop our ability to access it and make it stronger.

Meditation practices, breathing exercises and yoga postures cultivate the fire of vitality, love and strength. So do being in Nature, being creative, and loving others.

When we do breathing exercises we strengthen and clean the lungs. More essentially, we enliven and clarify the nervous system, and the complex web of mental and emotional patterning, which is the basis of our perceptions, expectations, and our actions. These patterns comprise the basis of our approach to life.

When we stoke the fire of self- illumination, we strengthen the body, the mind and the heart. Creative self – awareness grows and becomes a framework for developing a happy life, day by day. Attachments to anxiety, depression, stagnation and fear, all become less attractive, and change happens more easily.

For more information please see my website:

http://www.personal-discovery-chicago.com/meditation-and-mindfulness-practices/

by Judith Bobbe, LCSW

The Present Moment.

This is the moment of being alive right now, not the past or the future, the point of our greatest power to live fully and happily. Every moment is a chance to open to life.

The subject of “Mindfulness” is everywhere today. It is discussed in an ever- increasing number of places, from corporate retreats, to technology seminars, to yoga studios, to schools. Mindfulness is a practice of being open to what is happening without judgment, just being in touch with “what is”, and allowing it to be.

Whenever you look at the sky, or the changing leaves, or watch the wind in the trees, you are immersed in an experience of the present. Total immersion in the process of nature, without judgment, analysis, or trying to figure anything out, is a form of mindful presence with the world. The simplicity, and, the vitality of these ways of interacting with the world, is often overlooked.

The same can be said of the breath. One does not have to feel calm, in order to practice breath awareness. The simple action of watching the inhale and exhale, how the energy of breath moves in the body, creates a new perspective on being alive, which deepens your connection with the present moment.

Your awareness is the container of your experience. Your awareness of the vitality of the life within you grows.

What is the purpose of all this? It is to enjoy being alive, to feel nourished and sustained by the positive forces of life that are always there inside of you.

If you feel you cannot calm down, or stop negative thoughts and feelings, you will be helped by mindfulness practice. The purpose of mindfulness practice is that you become joined with a deeper experience of who you are. You become deeply nourished by the light of life inside you. It then becomes easier to let go of negative patterns of thought and feeling, to let go of self- judgment. Optimism and confidence grow effortlessly. It becomes easier to be patient and persistent through difficulties.

Consistent practice changes your expectation of how well you can deal with challenges in your life. Mindfulness practice strengthens and increases motivation for positive change.

The effects of normal every- day stress are tolerated with greater ease. When the more challenging stresses of big life changes occur, these transitions can be navigated with clearer vision and a deeper connection with your real inner strength.

Mindfulness practice can be done in many different ways, and I am here to help you to find the one that is best for you.

for More see my website

http://www.personal-discovery-chicago.com

http://www.personal-discovery-chicago.com/meditationmindfulness.html