I recently attended a 10-day silent eight precept meditation retreat in Thailand. Staying over there next to a nature park, I was fortunate to listen to the wise sharing by Luang Por Sumedho, an old and highly respected Buddhist monk in Thailand, I was also impressed by the simple and happy life of the forest Sangha tradition. His attendent was Ajahn Asoko, a senior monk who shared a useful breathing method which combines subtle breathing with energy flow. Now that is good breathing with a very relaxed posture. Moreover by feeling the breathe together with visualisation, I was able to quickly experience natural breathing throughout my whole body. His method is as follows:
1. Breathe in slow, gently & deeply to feel the sensation in your nostrils & body to be in here & now.
2. When you breathe in, be aware that your in-breath is awakening, brightening & energizing your mind & body.
3. When you breathe out, be aware that your out-breath is relaxing your body & releasing tension to give your mind tranquillity.
4. Note your posture and energy flow.
