Ride The Rhythm : Ocean Breath

Welcome to A Dash of Meditation and the Introduction to Breathwork series.

Today we'll explore a calming breath technique often called Ocean Breath,

Named for its gentle rhythmic sound,

Like waves moving in and out.

This breath is grounding and steadying.

It warms the body,

Focuses the mind,

And can also strengthen your respiratory muscles.

Let's begin.

Find a comfortable seat and close your eyes.

Let your spine gently lengthen upwards and your shoulders relax.

Begin by taking a deep breath in through your nose and a soft sigh out through your mouth.

Again,

Inhale through the nose and exhale slowly,

Feeling the body sink deeper into your seat,

Heavy but soft.

Now,

Let's shift into Ocean Breath.

Gently close your lips and begin to breathe through your nose only.

On your next exhale,

Slightly constrict the back of your throat,

As if you're fogging up a mirror,

But with your mouth closed.

You'll hear a soft,

Whisper-like sound,

Like the ocean rolling in.

Now inhale with that same gentle constriction,

And keeping your mouth closed,

Exhale.

Let the sound be steady,

Soft,

And smooth.

Keep breathing just like this,

Ocean in,

Ocean out.

You may find that this breath anchors your attention,

And you may begin to feel more present and more centered.

Let your breath move like the tide,

Keeping that gentle constriction activated,

Even,

Soothing,

And continuous.

I'll go quiet and allow you to take several rounds on your own.

If your mind wanders,

That's okay.

Simply return to the sound of your breath.

Let it guide you,

Like waves drawing you back to shore.

Let's take one more round together,

Nice and slow.

Ocean inhale,

Ocean exhale.

Now gently let go of the technique,

And return to your natural breath,

Letting the body simply rest.

Gently scan the body,

And notice where you might feel different,

Perhaps calmer and more relaxed.

Take one final deep breath in.

Until next time,

Ride the waves of life,

And be well.