Though our breath brings us life, and sustains us, we have really no idea how it does this, or where it has come from. Our breath is an absolute miracle and eternal mystery, and it is here, within us, always. We do not have to go to a temple, to a church, to a monastery, we do not have to climb a mountain, go into the forest or ascend to the Himalayas, to find the sacred and the divine, for there is nothing more sacred in this universe than the miracle of our breath. As Sri Chinmoy wrote in one of his poems:
“Each breathing moment
Is a miracle.”
– and we are that miracle.
So while breathing, feel that you are in the presence not only of something wonderful, something special, something loveable but also, you are in the presence of something most sacred, the source of life itself, that spirit which infuses the entire creation. Feel not only love and gratitude for your breath: something more, feel reverence for your breath. Then you will be eager to spend time each day in silent communion with your breath.
They say in the martial arts, that whoever can control their breath perfectly, is in control of their life’s destiny. And it is absolutely true. Practising this exercise for five minutes a day will gradually improve the control of your breath, while simultaneously increasing your control over your thoughts and emotions, while deepening your self-awareness and furthering your self-discovery.
This simple exercise is supremely powerful, for it is the solid foundation of our meditation practise, the gateway to the infinite realms of self-discovery. As we enter these realms, we gain access to the infinite, eternal, immortal treasures that await.
To love your breath is to discover God within.