Physically shedding layers is a process that we're usually unaware of.
Though our skin is a protective barrier, at some point, the outer layer of skin cells become damaged and no longer useful so they must be released to make way for a fresh layer. Our system naturally clears off debris and dead skin cells as the epidermis which has been forming below prepares to migrate upward.
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The Breathe + Reveal + Release Meditation is a reflection and meditation to integrate into your ongoing mindfulness practice. Use it to cultivate deeper gratitude for opportunities for growth, as it serves to heighten awareness to peacefully release hinderances and develop clarity to move forward.
I especially love to incorporate this meditation into special times of the year such as the close of the year/New Year's, a religious holiday that focuses on gratitude and growth, or seasonal markers such as the solstices and equinoxes. Breathe + Reveal + Release is a great help to come back to at times when you're feeling stuck, or you need to hit the refresh button.
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Breathe + Reveal + Release Meditation
TIME
10 to 20 minutes
For this meditation you may place yourself in a comfortable chair or lie down. Once you've found that space, move around a bit to get more comfortable.
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1. BREATHE
Take a few inhales and exhales through the nose, with your full attention on the breath.
As you breathe slowly and fully, take refuge in the sensation of your breath and the sound of your breath. Consciously deep within your heart remember that change is a natural life experience as natural as the change of flow of the in-breath and the out-breath... and change touches everyone.
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2. REPEAT TO YOURSELF
"Change is always happening," as you witness the changes that naturally occur as you simply inhale and exhale.
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3. AWARENESS
Now allow your awareness to rest on a feeling of gratitude for the metamorphosis that continually takes place, grateful for this natural process gives you an opportunity to shed useless layers, unclench the old baggage, or exfoliate negative energy.
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4. LINGER . FOCUS . BREATHE
Allow yourself to remain in this feeling of gratitude for a few breaths. This sensation may begin to dull when you become distracted, so you may include a mantra as you breathe to linger in the sweetness of gratefulness.
Breathing In: I feel grateful, Breathing Out: to be here now. (Repeat 3 times)
Breathe In: I feel grateful, Breathe Out: for clarity. (Repeat 3 times)
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5. OPEN-HEARTED OBSERVER
With deepest honesty, your open mind and open heart. Now start to notice a negative emotion or a biased belief that may be ready to be released in order to move more ease-fully forward on your journey. It may be anxiety that overtakes your peace, or a resentment, an irrational fear, or loneliness. Notice with openhearted radical honesty.
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6. BREATHE
Take a deep breath in through the nostrils ... pause... exhale fully through the nostrils, simultaneously feeling the ground beneath you.
Repeat this breathing technique for 10 more rounds. If you lose track of counting or you become distracted, simply start over with no judgment.
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7. PAUSE
Pause for a few more moments.
No need to control or count the breath. Allow the breath to be natural, allow yourself in this moment to simply BE without the need to "do" anything.
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OM peace peace peace
QUESTIONS to Ask YOURSELF
breathe