Breathing Bubble Pool
Lady:
“I want you to experience how breath can create a bridge between the mind and the body, the conscious and the unconscious.”
When you are before the pool the lady will speak again.
“Most people when they hold their breath create more tension in their bodies than they need to. Often times people will inhale, tighten their stomach muscles, tighten their throat muscles and even tense up the shoulders. I’m going to show you how to stay very relaxed while you hold your breath in. If you’ve ever blown up a balloon, you know that you tie the end of the balloon off, to keep the air in there. But what if you could fill up a balloon and keep the top of it open? It’s similar to how you want to hold your breath in your body. Take a deep breath in (she takes a deep breath with you) keeping your throat open, just as if it was the top of a balloon. Now you can try it again and clamp your muscles. You’ll feel a dramatic difference. This is something you learn to master, over time.
“I’m going to teach you an ancient form of breathing. As you do this breath, watch the pool. It’ll help guide you. Are you ready?
Breathe in…2…3…4…5.
Hold…2…3…4…5…6…7.
Now exhale…2…3…4…5…6…7…8.
Breathe in…2…3…4…5.
Hold…2…3…4…5…6…7.
Now exhale…2…3…4…5…6…7…8.
I’m gonna be silent. You’re on your own.”
After a minute or so, she says,
“I’d like you to watch for the bubbles. When they appear, you can move on.”