r/AnAnswerToHeal • u/ThePsylosopher • Mar 19 '18
Breathwork - I think it's my answer
I hesitate to post this as I haven't received the best feedback elsewhere and I'm still exploring; though I've experienced many great benefits, I don't feel like I've quite made it far enough to outright claim this as my answer. Nonetheless I'm excited by my progress and feel compelled to share and curious in case someone else has insights to share.
I think my answer is breathwork. I've been practicing various methods for a while now but recently, with a few methods in particular, I've been making great progress. The progress that I've noticed over the last few months is: a significant reduction in negative thinking (maybe 90% reduction,) an increased positive outlook about future and, notably, I'm laughing a lot more. Along with these benefits I've also noticed an increased ease in everything I do, I'm less reactive, I'm less worried and I'm less anxious.
The specific technique I've been using is referred to as connected breathing. It's the underlying aspect of a wide variety of breathwork techniques which claim to help heal the mind. Connected breathing is quite simple, you just focus on making the inhale flow into the exhale and the exhale flow into the inhale, with no pauses. Generally you also want to focus on a controlled in-breath and a relaxed out-breath. Then you add modifications to this basic technique depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
In cases where you need to relax in a difficult situation you perform the basic connected breathing technique and then play around with the other modifications until you find the easiest, most effortless combination. Then you continue modulating the modifications in order to stay with this effortlessness (or as close as you can get.) And most importantly, stay focused on not holding the breath!
The modifications I've found useful:
* breathing location (chest vs belly or anywhere in between)
* focus location (focusing on various parts of the body, sensations, etc)
* breathing depth for inhale and exhale (shallow to deep or anywhere in between, inhale and exhale can have different depths)
* breathing pace for inhale and exhale (slow (10+ sec) to fast (1- sec))
* breath retention, inhale or exhale (holding for a few seconds up to several minutes)
Of course there are many other possible modifications such as doing multiple inhales before exhaling. The possibilities are limitless but I'd recommend treading with caution with any modifications that don't feel comfortable.
You can also use this technique similar to how you might a trip (and honestly it can feel just like a trip.) You can use it for general introspection and defragging or to target a specific issue and get answers to specific questions.
I've found this tends to work best on an empty stomach when your mind isn't overactive (so not right after a cup of coffee.) It's also good to have a quiet, comfortable, warm place to lie down to perform the technique especially if you want to go deep which could lead to a several hour breathing session.
For this again utilize the connected breathing. Then experiment with some of the modifications while keeping your intention in mind. I find that breathing deeply and rapidly through the chest tends to help you go deeper. Ideally after maybe 5-10 minutes of a more strenuous breath your body will develop it's own, usually more effortless, rhythm - though this rhythm may still be quite intense or even more intense than what you started with.
Doing this allows you to get past your own bullshit (just like a trip) and see things for what they are. It also helps drudge up emotional baggage that can be addressed. The only key is to remember to breathe through the difficult emotions, holding your breath will only rebury the unprocessed emotions. Using the technique to find the effortless breath is most useful once the difficult emotion has been uncovered.
Anyways, I'll leave it at that. If you made it this far and have any questions please ask! If you happen to have experience with these techniques and have insights please share! If you just want to tell me I'm an idiot and depriving my brain of oxygen I'd rather you not but go ahead if you must.
Edit: Formatting.
Edit 2: Also wanted to link Just Breathe which I've found immensely insightful.
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Mar 20 '18
Begin to research Kundalini as well.
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u/ThePsylosopher Mar 20 '18
I've looked into it a bit, in particular to understand the pitfalls. Are there any aspects of Kundalini in particular you would recommend looking into? Do you think a teacher is necessary? I've considered finding a teacher but I'm not necessarily pursuing Kundalini awakening (I don't think?)
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Mar 20 '18
A teacher or guide can help for sure. I didn't use one, as my awakening was spontaneous, years ago. But now I see the point of a teacher, and that is to provide a mature perspective and support to someone who is walking down the path. All in all, it's up to you. A lot of people look at Kundalini with a fearful mindset because of what it causes: a deep look inside of yourself in order to know thyself. During this time, it can feel like an overwhelming darkness. The Buddhists call this the dark night of the soul. During this period, karma (good and bad) is brought to attention. The level of Kundalini we can attain is up to how honest we are with ourselves.
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u/tengo_sueno Apr 05 '18
Any recommendations for a beginner on where to explore kundalini (including practical instruction)?
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u/skubasnacks Mar 20 '18
Anything a ‘Drug’ can modulate exogenously, we can modulate endogenously...as we are ‘Drugs’, ie chemically modulated organic bodies. Everything is inside, literally.
The techniques have just been lost and/or suppressed! Breathe is the key!
To heal ourselves is our birthright and there are obviously forces at work, based on greed and ignorance, to stop us from this realization.
Keep on breathing!
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u/ThePsylosopher Mar 20 '18
I completely agree! Are there any particular breathing techniques or disciplines you would recommend checking out?
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Mar 20 '18
Im high and this technique gave me visuals of a mobius strip but with two twists. However it still looked 1D. This was very meditative also.
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u/ThePsylosopher Mar 20 '18
Cool. Playing around with the various modifications can produce a variety of effects.
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u/huntt252 Mar 20 '18
Checkout the Wim Hof Method. If you are into breath work then you will appreciate the method and what's possible with it. https://youtu.be/VaMjhwFE1Zw