Breathe in, breathe out,...
This heat wave, the greatest of which is yet to come, would be the perfect chance to explore the wonderful world of Zen breathing. The initial technique involves two elements: one to sit in the full lotus position while controling your breathing, and two to imagine yourself as a junction of the universe and thru which air, life force, or the chi passes thru.
Things that are different from normal state of being.
1. close your eyes, but only half, so that involuntary sight does not possess your attention==> You may have seen the Buddha images assuming this half-open, half-closed eye lid position in addition to the full or half lotus posture.
2. inhale thru your nose, and exhale thru your mouth, always.
3. take breaths not shallow, short, not full, long, but utilizing only 2/3 to half of your full natural capacity.
4. moderate your breathing so that it becomes even and measured, but never fast as that might cause you to hyperventilate. If you do, you might damage your brain and chemico-neural balance from too much oxygen. Use conscious breathing, but not forced, so that you breathe slower than normal, until your artificially moderated breathing becomes your second nature.
5. if you are performing the breathing drill, you might initially experience certain heat, and sweating accompanying the sense of heat, but gradually that unpleasant sensations will subside, and you will attain a certain coolness at a certain point.
6. If you ever feel nauseaous or uncomfortably painful, then your tendons or breathing variables may not be adequate enough to continue. Stop, stretch the aching parts of your body so that the muscles and tendons are stretched and given enough circulation and rest. Never force yourself beyond what you feel is natural.
7. If you ever fall asleep during your meditative breathing drill, quit for the moment and do something else. In that case you are not in the best physical mental state to practice. The drill is most effective when your body and mind is fresh, so keep the drills short if you are tired either physically or stressed psychologically. Good luck, ax, and happy breathing !