This exercise has been adapted from an exercise that is common in the study of Tai Chi. Give it a try and I think you will find it rather interesting!

This is a basic activity taken from Aikido and further elaborated on for our purposes in Seishindo. Performing this Practice from time to time will give you an active experience of developing a calm presence. When you are feeling fully present you will notice that your thinking mind and your feeling mind are both calm, yet active.

Most everyone has a tendency to restrict their breathing when they are frightened, anxious, or feeling overwhelmed. It is not “natural” to restrict one’s breathing at such times, but for most of us it is a default habit nonetheless. This Practice is meant to reawaken you to the process of breathing, and help you to reverse debilitating breathing habits, so that you can once again, “Breath with Grace and Power.”

This Practice is best explored after working with the exercise titled “Breathing with Grace and Power”. It will help you to feel more empowered in your everyday life. When your posture is balanced and your breathing is free and easy, you will wind up feeling more competent and confident.

This Practice is fantastic to do with anyone you are in a committed relationship with, personal or professional. It is an excellent way to help people better understand and appreciate each other, from a heartfelt sense of being somatically connected to another human being.

This Practice has been influenced by the work of Bonnie Bainbridge-Cohen, Linda Hartley, and the study of Aikido and Yoga. By bringing your conscious awareness to your entire body, you can increase your health and vitality.

As you go through this practice you might notice that your body takes on a subtle rocking motion. Although this rocking motion is not important in and of itself, please allow such rocking to occur if indeed it does start to happen.

This Practice serves you well in your daily life, as you come away feeling more centered and calm.