Breathing & Letting Go

November 13, 2002

At the core of each one of us--no matter what our political and

social and spiritual beliefs--is a longing for real relationship,

with ourselves, others, and the universe itself. It is clear that

real relationship requires both giving and receiving. What is not

so clear to many of us is that giving usually comes first. Imagine

trying to take a full free breath without having exhaled fully.

It's not possible. And yet that is how many of us live. We wish

to fill ourselves with the physical, emotional, mental, and

spiritual objects of our desire--without first emptying ourselves

by letting go and giving.

Here is a simple but profound practice for these stressful times, a

practice that may help you open to yourselves and others in a new

way. Each time you catch yourself about to be caught up in a negative

judgment, thought, or emotion toward yourself or anyone else, you

simply sense yourself breathing through your heart, exhaling (slowly

and gently through pursed lips) appreciation, love, and compassion

from the whole of yourself out into the world. Then simply rest at

the end of the exhalation and wait for your inhalation to take place

on its own, effortlessly, through your nose. There should be

absolutely no grasping or trying as you work in this way. If you are

in conditions that allow it, it may be helpful to put one or both

hands on your heart as you experiment with this practice. Work in

this way for at least nine complete breaths at a time. You can

undertake this practice as many times as you wish each day.

With my best wishes,

Dennis Lewis

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