It ranks among the great imponderables: Is there something deeper at the core of our being, something intrinsic and organic? Something even greater than our consciousness? What animates us into life as a newborn, and what leaves us at our death? How did we arrive at consciousness in this vast universe and where does it go when we die? How is it that, as humans, we can think about thinking, and actually act on our thoughts, performing our own little acts of creation?

Breathing's reach most definitely extends into the spirit. Regardless of your faith or belief, there can be a profound spiritual aspect, or at least appreciation for, the fact that we are free-thinking, willful animated beings. The breath has been documented so often and so profoundly throughout man's recorded history, and in so many deeply revered religious and spiritual texts. We humans hold the ability to be thoughtful, sentient, aware, insightful, curious, sensitive, creative. We can experience great, though often extremely personal, moments of clarity and focus, with the profound ability to dream and make those dreams reality.

Even if you are at the very of beginning of understanding the benefits your breath holds, chances are good that you have experienced some meditations or contemplations about you, the natural world, the universe, and your place in all of it.

Not a Buddhist? Neither are we, but try incorporating these simple sutras in your daily meditation or contemplation. They're based on the original sutras taught by Buddha and can help explore another aspect of meditation and provide enlightening insight.

Once you've tasted a bit of deep spiritual meditation, you may decide to try something that's part of an ancient quest to know the spirit. Buddhist monks use the following sutras as a part of their meditation practice on the path toward enlightenment. Each sutra is designed to help tear down one more barrier between us and that which we seek. It helps you understand how the mindfulness of breathing can illuminate the path toward any kind of perception of a higher power..

Full Awareness Breathing

Breathing in a long breath, I know I am breathing in a long breath. Breathing out a long breath, I know I am breathing out a long breath.

Breathing in a short breath, I know I am breathing in a short breath. Breathing out a short breath, I know I am breathing out a short breath.

Breathing in, I am aware of my whole body. Breathing out, I am aware of my whole body.

Breathing in, I calm my whole body. Breathing out, I calm my whole body.

Breathing in, I feel joyful. Breathing out, I feel joyful.

Breathing in, I feel happy. Breathing out, I feel happy.

Breathing in, I am aware of my thoughts. Breathing out, I am aware of my thoughts.

Breathing in, I make my mind happy. Breathing out, I make my mind happy.

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Planning your next health fair? Looking to spice up a corporate retreat? Need a keynote speaker, guest lecturer or presenter?

Seasoned speaker, teacher and dynamic presenter Al Lee can custom-design a Perfect Breath program that will show you how to use your most powerful source of energy - your breath - to dramatically improve your health, performance, and emotional well-being. You can learn the same techniques that are used by competitive athletes, fighter pilots, mountain climbers, performers, and healing professionals of all kinds to elicit the most from their minds and bodies.

Coming Up
Perfect Breathing with Al Lee
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
6:30-8 p.m.
RiverPlace Athletic Club
0150 SW Montgomery
Portland, OR 97201
503.221.1212

For Perfect Breathing Seminar bookings email Al Lee at: al@perfectbreathing.com and visit him at www.perfectbreathing.com

For a running dialog of the latest in breathing ideas, techniques, success stories, and more, visit our Perfect Breath Blog . Get answers to your questions, share your experience and expertise with others, and stay abreast of the latest science, research, and technology. Here are the latest headlines:

Breathe Away Your Public Speaking Fears

A 15-Minute Breath Program to Help You Sleep

International Festival of Voice

Buddhist builder buried alive, used meditation to conserve breath

• The Power of Silence... (Dublin Independent)

• Kickstart the Day with a Standing Stretch (LA Times)

• Keeping Yourself At Peace (Fayetteville Observer)

Thanks for being part of Perfect Breath. Stay tuned! If you have comments, questions or suggestions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,