The Ultimate Brain-Breath-Bliss Soulgasm Meditation!
Have you ever encountered a truly transcendent moment during your meditation practice, where the sheer magnitude of the experience left you utterly speechless?
If the answer to that question is no, then you’re going to want to read on to find out more!
I have been meditating on and off for almost a decade, and have tried many different forms of meditation, reaping many of the benefits. Over the last 6 months I have been experimenting with combining techniques following my growing curiosity in all things breathwork and sound healing! The result… a truly soulgasmic experience!
This transformative practice seamlessly integrates the harmonious fusion of sound through chanting, deep diaphragmatic breathing, and profound meditation. This blog breaks down the three component parts of the practice along with the key benefits of each part.
Part One: Breathwork - Diaphragmatic Breathing
Diaphragmatic breathing, also known as abdominal or deep breathing, is a breathing technique that emphasises the use of the diaphragm, a muscle located at the base of the lungs, to facilitate more efficient and effective respiration. It is a natural and healthy way of breathing, and it can have numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being. Here's how diaphragmatic breathing works:
1. Engaging the Diaphragm: When you inhale during diaphragmatic breathing, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward. This action expands the space in your chest cavity, allowing your lungs to fill with air.
2. Abdominal Expansion: As the diaphragm moves downward, your abdomen should naturally expand as you take in a breath. This is often why diaphragmatic breathing is also called "belly breathing."
3. Minimising Chest Movement: In diaphragmatic breathing, the movement of the chest is minimised, and the shoulders should remain relatively still. The focus is on expanding the abdomen and lower ribcage.
4. Slow, Controlled Breathing: Diaphragmatic breathing typically involves slow, controlled inhalations and exhalations. Breathing in deeply through the nose and exhaling slowly through the mouth can help calm the body and mind.
The benefits of diaphragmatic breathing include:
1. Improved Oxygen Exchange: Diaphragmatic breathing allows for a more significant amount of air to enter the lower parts of the lungs where blood flow is highest, leading to improved oxygen exchange and better oxygenation of the blood.
2. Relaxation and Stress Reduction: This breathing technique activates the body's parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. It can lower heart rate, blood pressure, and the body's stress response.
3. Enhanced Lung Function: Diaphragmatic breathing can improve lung function and respiratory efficiency, making it particularly beneficial for individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma.
4. Pain Management: Some individuals use diaphragmatic breathing to help manage pain, as it can increase the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain relievers.
5. Improved Posture: Practising diaphragmatic breathing can promote better posture by engaging the core and stabilising the spine. You may feel taller after practicing!
6. Better Digestion: This type of breathing can reduce tension in the abdominal area, which may aid in digestion.
7. Enhanced Mental Clarity: Diaphragmatic breathing is associated with improved mental clarity, concentration, and focus.
Diaphragmatic breathing is a valuable tool that can be used in various situations, such as managing stress, reducing anxiety, improving sleep, and enhancing overall well-being. It's often taught in relaxation and mindfulness techniques, as well as in therapeutic practices like yoga and meditation. Regular practice of diaphragmatic breathing can help individuals become more in tune with their breath and use it as a powerful tool for maintaining physical and mental health.
Part Two: Sound - Chanting Om and Humming
The practice of chanting "Om" (pronounced as "Aum") has ancient origins and is deeply rooted in Hinduism, Buddhism, and other Indian spiritual traditions. It is considered one of the most sacred and powerful mantras in these traditions, believed to be a universal sound, transcending religious and cultural boundaries. It symbolises unity, oneness, and the interconnectedness of all life.
Benefits of Om Chanting:
1. Meditative & Calming: Chanting Om can be a form of meditation. The repetitive nature of the chant helps focus the mind, reduce mental chatter, and induce a state of inner peace and calm. It can serve as a gateway to deeper meditation practices.
2. Stress Reduction: Om chanting has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. The vibrations created by chanting can have a soothing effect on the nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing the body's stress response.
3. Improved Concentration: Regular practice of Om chanting can enhance concentration and mental clarity. It helps train the mind to become more attentive and present.
4. Spiritual Connection: For those who have a spiritual or religious inclination, chanting Om can deepen their sense of connection to the divine or the higher self. It is often used as a tool for spiritual growth and self-realisation.
5. Balancing Energy: In yoga and Ayurveda, the sound Om is believed to represent the balance of three fundamental energies (gunas): sattva (pure), rajas (active), and tamas (inert). Chanting Om is thought to harmonise these energies within the body and mind.
6. Physical Benefits: The act of chanting Om involves deep and controlled breathing, which can enhance lung capacity and oxygenate the body. It also has a calming effect on the heart rate and blood pressure.
7. Sound Therapy: Some practitioners believe that the vibrations produced by chanting Om can have therapeutic effects on the body's energy centres (chakras) and subtle energy channels (nadis).
It's important to note that the benefits of Om chanting can vary from person to person, and they may not be immediate or profound for everyone. The practice requires patience and regularity to experience its full effects. Many people incorporate Om chanting into their yoga or meditation routines, but it can also be done independently as a form of sound therapy or spiritual practice. If you're interested in exploring Om chanting, consider incorporating it into your existing mindfulness practices.
Part Three: Meditation
Meditation is a practice that has been used for thousands of years to promote mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It involves focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity to train attention and awareness. There are numerous benefits associated with regular meditation practice, including:
1. Stress & Anxiety Reduction: Meditation is one of the most well-known methods for reducing stress and symptoms of anxiety. It helps lower the production of stress hormones and induces a state of relaxation, leading to improved emotional well-being. It encourages a calmer and more balanced state of mind.
2. Enhanced Focus and Attention: Regular meditation practice can sharpen focus and attention, making it easier to complete tasks and achieve goals.
3. Emotional Regulation: Meditation can improve emotional regulation by helping individuals better understand and manage their emotions. It is particularly beneficial for reducing symptoms of depression and enhancing mood.
4. Enhanced Self-Awareness: Meditation promotes self-reflection and self-awareness, helping individuals gain insight into their thoughts and emotions. This can lead to personal growth and increased self-acceptance.
5. Better Sleep: Meditation can improve the quality of sleep by promoting relaxation and reducing racing thoughts. This can lead to more restful and rejuvenating sleep.
6. Improved mental & Physical Health: Meditation promotes a strong mind-body connection, which can lead to better physical health, improved immune function, and faster recovery from illnesses. It has also been linked to reductions in blood pressure, making it beneficial for heart health and hypertension management.
It's important to note that the benefits of meditation can vary from person to person, and the specific type of meditation practised can also influence the outcomes. To experience the full range of benefits, consistency in practice is key. Whether you choose mindfulness meditation, transcendental meditation, loving-kindness meditation, or any other form, integrating meditation into your daily routine can be a valuable tool for promoting holistic well-being.
How to bring all of the elements together as one practice:
Find a quiet space, where you won’t be disturbed or distracted
Sit up with a straight spine, on a cushion on the floor or a chair
Bring your focus to your breath & sensations in your body
Gently close your eyes or lower your gaze
Start by inhaling through the nose expanding the ribs outwards 360 degrees
As you inhale focus on a feeling of appreciation, tapping into a memory or a person
Gently hold your breath at the top for a moment
On your exhale speak out the word “om”
Elongate your “om” pushing out all of the air from your lungs & belly
End your “om” by gently closing your lips and humming the “mmm” at the end of your exhale
Pause gently at the bottom of the breath and repeat for as many cycles as you have time for
(Optional) You can then drift into a beautiful meditation, for 10 minutes +
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