When we think about the breath as a primordial tool , we realize our unbelievable power within us .
Presence Technique Self-Practice
BODY BOND
USING BREATH TO RECONNECT TO THE BODY
When we think about the breath as a primordial tool , we realize our unbelievable power within us .
Presence , the kind that magnetizes us to yoga classes , operas , ballet performances and other expressions of life that allow us to feel highly connected with what it means to be a soulful human , is only possible because of the breath .
The breath is our lifeline , both from an every three-second involuntary oxygen bath perspective , and from an incredibly sophisticated and systematic voluntary oxygen infusion in our body and in the present moment .
Presence Technique Self-Practice
Somato Respiratory Integration ( SRI )
Somato Respiratory Integration ( SRI ) is a set of exercises that help us cultivate the skills to acknowledge and more easily move through the 12 stages of healing coined by chiropractic pioneer , Dr . Donald Epstein .
‘ Somato ’ refers to the body , while ‘ respiratory ’ refers to our breathing , combined into a powerful system to harness our energy within that can help us heal and transform our physical and emotional pain .
Each stage of Dr . Epstein ’ s work is complemented by a specific exercise that links somatic awareness with breathing . It promotes the ability to focus attention on large and subtle body movements , self-directed breathing , awareness of the body ’ s tensions , and verbal statements reflecting the internal state .
Our bodies become educated to their rhythms and inner wisdom , using breath , touch and focused movement and attention to experience our bodies with more awareness .
Using the body as vessel of the soul , SRI helps to shift our states of consciousness and have more trust for both our bodies and where we are in our lives .
Stage 1 SRI | Body Awareness
In the Stage 1 exercise , we reconnect with our bodies and begin to find ease in experiencing our touch , breath , focused movement and energy in positions one , two and three .
Instruction Breath : In nose / Out mouth
Hand Position : One hand on top of the other over the three positions
• Position 1 : Heart
• Position 2 : Solar Plexus
• Position 3 : Belly Button
Process : Can be done lying down with knees bent or while sitting
• Direct your breath and movement under the area your hands are resting on
• Explore what it feels like to focus your attention solely on the position and perceive its tone , qualities and sensation
• Observe your experience of how each area moves and breathes and what you are aware of in each area
Adhara Catalogue | Winter 2017 17