It’s right under our nose; we overlook it. It’s obviously amazing; we do not see it. It’s absolutely essential; we totally ignore it. It brings us endless gifts; we don’t even notice them or thank the giver.
So much seems so important. But is there anything — anything at all — as important as this one breath that is breathing right now? We put incredible value on diamonds but all the wealth in the world cannot buy a breath. Just how valuable is this breath! Just how perfect is the breath! Observe it closely, examine it, put it on the operating table, run all the tests, dissect it under the microscope. What do you find? Can you find anything wrong with the breath?
If we took to heart some of the qualities of this breath, we would be much nearer to fulfilment. Reflect for a while on some aspects of the breath that we rarely think about.
Giving, giving, giving, giving, giving and giving: a simple, gentle, humble breath brings all the energy, power and magnificence of life, over and over and over again. Asking nothing in return, always tolerant and forgiving, never judging or punishing, the breath loves us unconditionally every moment of our life. Whether we may be good, bad or somewhere in between, the breath does not judge us but is always there for us, giving us chance after chance to do what we love best — to enjoy ourselves. It is always here for us to turn to when we need a friend, a comforter or a peacemaker.
The breath is never demanding, never jealous, never selfish. It never hassles, ignores or rejects us but accepts us as we are with patience, consideration, loyalty and tender loving kindness. For a perfect example of how to approach fulfilment observe this gentle, patient, peaceful and persistent breath. There are no gender, colour, religion, culture or class divisions, no inequality, injustice or discrimination in the realm of the breath, but the empowerment, support and strength of the breath enables all of us to enjoy the same ultimate privilege — this experience of life.
This super-efficient, completely dependable, smooth-running, perfectly synchronised breath gives us its full attention throughout our lifetime yet it does not demand our attention despite being the most deserving of all. We give it no credit — we say “Look at me! Look what I’ve done!” when all the time the cause of success is the breath. Behind our words, carrying our words but beyond words, the breath never disappoints and is the one true constant we can always embrace.
We have become complicated and to perceive the breath as it really is, childlike simplicity is needed. Then we observe the stillness in the motion and the motion in the stillness: that which comes from nothing into something and returns to nothing again. With the heart of a child we can see that each breath is similar — bringing life and endless possibilities — and each breath is unique — different to every other breath you or I have ever breathed or will breathe. How magical is that! Each breath is brand new! Everything this breath brings is new and exciting! Can we be fresh and ready enough to accept the joyful delights each breath brings? Look at a young child and know you can!
What a role model this breath is! We may never come close to emulating it but just trying brings great joy, understanding, peace and happiness. O Most Soft, Most Gentle, Most Tender Breath, O Most Strong, Most Patient Breath, Most Determined Breath — you kiss and caress my tensions away. Every moment of my life you hold me in your loving embrace. You protect me against my enemy and give me shelter from the storm. Thank you, thank you and thank you once again. XO.