Question about the Square Breath

January 3rd, 2008

Hello and good day to all,
I would like to ask something about the square breath pattern. In the different dimensions(elements) of the heart. We use different points of inhalation and exhalation. How about in the Square Breath? Do we use only the nose for both inhalation/exhalation, or we follow what is in the Companion CD of Energize Your Heart to breathe in and out both from the nose and mouth together? Is there any benefit if we use the square breath pattern for each of the dimensions(elements) instead of just using the swing breath pattern?
Live long and prosper,
Christopher Go

Dear Christopher,

We think of the dimensions of the heart (vertical, horizontal, forward, inner) as the result of the heart’s development, just as your physical height, for example, is the result of the calories you take in, the amount of exercise, etc.

On the other hand, the elements (earth, water, fire, air) are 4 basic kinds of energies which may be used to develop the heart. To continue the metaphor about physical height, the elements would be kind of food you eat.

The element breaths are:

Earth: in and out through the nose

Water: in through the nose, out through the mouth

Fire: in through the mouth, out through the nose

Air: in and out through the mouth

Lastly, there is a meta-element, the source of all the elements, but at the same time it is none of them, called ‘ether’. The ether breath is in and out through both the nose and the mouth.

Any of the element breaths may be used with any pattern of holding the breath. We recommend that you work with the elements under the guidance of one of our mentors.

We have found that the square breath is particularly helpful in working with the inner dimension of the heart, because the holding of the breath helps you to go inside your heart, strengthening your faith and your connection to the One Heart.

love,

Puran and Susanna

Entry Filed under: The Heart, Meditation