Meditating at the ICU

A new study published in Pain offers support for the benefits of yoga-style breathing and meditation to help control chronic pain. See article:  http://www.physorg.com/news189951566.html

Three Deep Breaths

Something Beautiful
Lorrie breathing
Sharp painful waves
Becoming soft undulating
Waves
Restful peace
in the 
Intensive Care Unit.

Breath Meditation
Breath streams into my 
Heart.
A small painful place
Expands.
Fear of loss 
And sadness
Become love and 
Compassion

Dancing Leaves

Breath affects our body and mind. The air that we breathe is precious. Check out the American Lung Association's Healthy Air http://www.lungusa.org/healthy-air/

Three Deep Breaths

Something Beautiful
Tiny leaves dance
Moved by a gentle breeze.
Air caressing
Nourishing
And playing with
Every cell and vein.











Breath Meditation
Air is caressing and nourishing
My lungs,
My body
My Breath
Gratitude
In this moment
Replaces worry.


.

Each breath contains an inhale, a transition, an exhale, and a pause before the next breath begins. Breath moves a lot like an ocean wave, swelling, flowing and dissolving.

Three Deep Breaths
  
Something Beautiful
Red abundance 

Every year
Rose upon rose
Flourishing
Expanding
Expressing
Without abandon.

Breath Meditation
Wave upon wave
Reaches my inner shore
Outside a machine
Saws and hums
The temptation to contract
Yields
As my breath flows
To the world around me
Now I hear the children playing,
And feel the sun on my shoulders.

morning light

Breath connects the mind and body, thought and nature. Breath is a vehicle for mind and heart to reach all.

Three Deep Breaths

Something Beautiful
Morning light
Enters a tree
A few leaves
Basque in the sun
Awaken now
While others
Wait patiently.

Breath Meditation
Just breath
In, out, rest
Parts of my body
Awaken
Touched by the
Illuminating wave of
My breath.
In the momentary silence
I am one with all that is
Connected, belonging
Releasing into 
A smile.

"While meditating on the breath, one can also be mindful of the mind. This includes, according to the Buddha, first of all to fully experience the mind (to be in full contact with the various states of the mind, not to be distracted); secondly, to increase the joy of one's mind, thirdly to focus the mind and fourthly to liberate the mind."  excerpt from a teaching by Lama Lhundrup


Three Deep Breaths

Something Beautiful
The Moon welcomes
The Sun.
The cool wet grass
Welcomes my feet.
The birds and trees
Welcome my being.
My lungs take in
The fresh air
A gradual and delicate
Collaboration by all
To embrace a new
Day.

Breath Meditation
My breath takes me
To the Earth
To rest my feet
On her belly
Soothing the worry
Holding the concern.
My breathing body
Accepts all.
Faster spontaneous breaths
Allow the conflict.
Compassionate acceptance
Helps me become
Like the sun and the moon,
Welcoming.