If you’ve read some of my previous posts you will have been introduced to the concept of embryonic breathing which is a form of qigong meditation introduced in the book by Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming, titled Qigong Meditation, Embryonic Breathing. If you have the opportunity to read this book it will be helpful in better understanding qi, energy, spirit and the many intricacies of the meditation techniques of embryonic breathing. As I’ve said before breathing meditation is the link between the body and mind. Through regulated breathing the mind can be trained to remain calm even through challenging times. In this post I want to give you a meditation technique so that you can begin making progress towards mental mastery.
I would suggest printing this out and reviewing it until you become cemented in this form of meditation. It will act as a starting point if you decide to get Dr. Yang’s book on Embryonic Breathing to go further in your practice. The best time to meditate is between 11am and 1pm and again between 5pm and 7pm. During this time the electromagnetic force of the planet will allow for the most fluid movement of qi or chi throughout the body. Start by sitting for 15 minutes and then increase as time and lifestyle will allow. It is also helpful while meditating to supply your body with a nutritious wholefoods vegetarian diet to support the increase of qi in the body.
Start by using the restroom to relieve yourself. Dress with comfortable loose fitting clothing. Sit on your bed, on top of a few pillows to elevate your bottom. Cross your legs by placing your right leg and foot closer to your body and your left on the outside of your right leg. Place your hands together at your abdomen with right palm on top of your left palm with both thumbs coming together in the middle. Keep the spine straight and erect but not ridged or held too tight.
Start by closing your eyes half way and look at the tip of your nose. Once you have stabilized this distance of view, raise your eyes to look at your mind’s eye between your eye brows within your head. The eyes should be able to see the tip of the nose in the distance. The tongue should be against the palate of the mouth and the mouth should be closed. Swallow saliva when it becomes necessary. While focusing on your mind’s eye with your eyes, focus on this area with your concentration. Breathe slowly through the nose in and out of the diaphragm. The breath should be so faint that it is imperceptible to the ears and does not strain the heart.
As thoughts arise do not resist them, but return your awareness to your breath. Be patient when you first sit down to meditate as it will take time for the mind to settle. This is similar to a jar full of muddy water that takes time for the sediment to settle at the bottom so that the water can become clear. With time and repetition the mental chatter will settle faster as you get more proficient at training the mind to be still. After time and mastery, even when you are active in the normal world you will still be able to carry your meditative mind.
If possible I suggest practicing twice a day, but if one sitting is all you can get in, it would be better to meditate in the first half of the day. This will allow you to practice carrying the meditation throughout the rest of your day . Remember that this is a practice, and like any practice you will get better at the task the more you practice it.
If you would like to take your meditation practice more seriously I highly recommend getting Dr. Yang’s book titled Qigong Meditation, Embryonic Breathing. By knowing the intricacies of qi, essence, spirit, and the many forms of breathing introduced in this book one can build up greater levels of qi in their body and have a road map for where meditation can take them.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and investing time in your mental health. If you find this information beneficial please subscribe and follow along towards better mental health and a greater quality of life, Thank you, John
Mentally Sound 