The recording below consists of an introduction to the practice of “Breathing Through” developed by Joanna Macy, here guided by Buddhist monk Ven. Tenzin (Dr. Alex Anderson). This practice is often offered in Deep Ecology and especially Work that Reconnects" workshops, as a foundational practice for working with the powerful emotions that can arise in the Spiral phase “Honouring our Pain for the World” such as the “Truth Mandala”. Joanna’s “Breathing Through” has its origins in a traditional Tibetan Buddhist practice used in the cultivation of loving kindness and compassion, known as “Tonglen”, or “Giving and Taking”. This practice is a foundational practice in the Boddhisattva path, and a cornerstone of the Work That Reconnects. See also Macy’s own written instructions for this practice, and her 2005 training video of the same.
The guidance offered here is accessible to a practitioner with any level of experience, but will be most effective built on a basis of familiarity with the practices of basic sitting meditation and basic breath awareness. As with any such practice it is one which clarifies, deepens and becomes more effective with patient repetition. The practice below takes about 20 minutes. It is recommended to incorporate this practice into a daily routine including basic breath awareness and mindful walking.
Audio: Guided Meditation “Breathing Through” -25 mins
Dana
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