Body Breathing

Sit still in a chair listening to soft music, or outside listening to the wind in the treetops. As you listen, gently let your attention flow out of your ears as you easily exhale. Repeat for a minute, then do the same thing through your eyes, letting your attention go outward on the breath, slowly and gently. Repeat this through the nostrils, the mouth, then sit quietly just listening to the music with your whole body.

Now allow your attention to sink into your chest. Feel where your heart center is (at the point where the breastbone and ribs join) and breathe out through it, letting your attention go with the breath. Continue gently for another minute, then sit quietly, aware of your body.

This exercise consciously links respiration and the nervous system, helping to promote their smooth integration. Feeling your awareness as it flows out on your breath gives you a powerful sense of being at harmony with nature.

Adapted from Ageless Body, Timeless Mind, by Deepak Chopra (Harmony Books, 2007).

Read more: Spirit, Deepak Chopra's Tips, breathing, exercise, heart, nature

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Mark S.

2:16PM PDT on Oct 3, 2010

Thank you for posting. I think this will work very well for me.

send a green star

Ann L.

3:35PM PDT on Sep 30, 2010

Thanks for the information. I do practice deep breathing when upset. It really does help you refocus.

Gaby M.

6:24AM PDT on Sep 28, 2010

Thank you ever so much for these articles.

Vanessa S.

5:08PM PDT on Sep 27, 2010

Thanks for the tips.

10:05AM PDT on Sep 26, 2010

Thanks for the great suggestions on how to harmonize your body!

Mike M.

8:12AM PDT on Sep 25, 2010

Sounds like it would work well with the So Hum Mantra.

Linda B.

5:25AM PDT on Sep 25, 2010

This gives me the most relaxed and peaceful feeling.

heather g.

10:44PM PDT on Sep 24, 2010

Although I meditate daily, I also find myself breathing very shallowly at times and have to catch myself and breathe more deeply. The joys of being "unconscious" .... Unfortunately, many of us women breathe very shallowly. The benefits of breathing deeply are immediately felt. I like the idea of this breathing practice outlined by Deepak.

Andrea C.

1:35PM PDT on Sep 24, 2010

A purring cat on your lap, the late summer sounds of crickets, the chirping of birds, the "wind in the willows", the sounds of breaking waves,
all beautiful natural sounds with the same effect on us as the sounds of soothing music, and all we have to do is, tune in.
Thanks Deepak.

Mary L.

9:59AM PDT on Sep 24, 2010

Thank you for the reminder to listen.