Human beings are dualistic beings, we are both good and bad. We are rooted in both material and spiritual planes of existence. There is a slogan that goes:
“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience, but rather spiritual beings having a human experience”.
The breath is an excellent representation of this duality. We can partially control our breathing, but a significant part is autonomic. We could hold our breath to the point of passing out, but then the autonomic nervous system would take over and we would start breathing again. Focusing on the breath can be thought of as a symbol of our dualistic nature.
We can all become lost in thought: regretting our past, or worrying about our future. We are not mindfully aware of the present moment. By focusing on the body and more specifically the breath we come back to the present moment.
Only the present moment is real. The past and the future are creations of the mind. I’m not saying that the past didn’t happen, but our memories of the past are created in the present moment by our mind.
Peace, serenity, salvation are in the present moment. Bring your awareness to the present moment and accept it for what it is at the moment. When I argue with the reality of the moment I always lose. The future has not yet been written, but the now is what it is.
I have read many spiritual texts from many different traditions. Here is one quote that helps me focus on the now.
Be still and know that I am God. Psalms 46:10
When I’m in an excited state either physically, mentally, or emotionally I’m unable to achieve peace. My Higher Power speaks to me in a small still voice and I need to be still to hear it. Many of those still moments are the result of focusing on the breath.
I hope this has been helpful. If it wasn’t, then please be aware that my intention was to help.
Namaste
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