“The mind also attains serenity through prolonged exhalation and holding the breath.”
The first question I always ask me is: Is this my experience?
And here I have to go with Yes! If my mind is really messed up I add a sound to my exhalation(not positive phrases, never really been my thing). I recognize my truth in the words “An agitated mind disturbs breathing. Calming the breathing process, therefore, can quiet the mind.”
I have a grounding feeling in my exhalation, and grounding has a quality of peace to me.
I’ve heard, that serenity means having one thought at a time :-) which I can relate to… In Merriam Webster’s definition, serenity has qualities of clear, bright and steady. It sounds like a description of ujjayi breath, or the yoga breath (wonder what you call it in English…) to me, or a good headstand or when a pose transcends just doing it and… becomes. Clear, bright and steady.
Bouanchaud writes that traditionally the exhalation and suspending breath after exhalation symbolizes humility and sacrifice. Yes, I recognize this as well. It’s been a helpful (living prayer) to unclench my claws of attachments – to let go into the exhalation, and experiencing the rich filled emptiness afterwards – humbling in the best of ways. And “I” don’t have to do it – if “I” wait long enough it gets done through me :-)
So, for the classes I plan to focus on clear, bright and steady. Through focusing on breath, especially exhalation and suspending breath after exhalation. Beauty!
Namasté
Jenni Saunte
Christine on sutra 1.34
Kate on the sutra...
3 comments:
Love your description of letting go, that if you wait long enough it gets done *through* you. Beautiful. + its called yoga breath in English, too, I think... if you're referring to the "complete" breath, or the three-part yogic breath, the one called dirgha in Sanskrit, right? Names! Argh!
Clear and steady and bright... what a great way of putting it. Big hugs...I get so much from both you and Christine.
@christine - yes thats the one! We also call it the complete - I just thought that was more local than yoga breth, never heard the sanscrit, so that's a gift - thank you. (I am writing that one down ;-)
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