This is the 6th in a series of posts exploring various breathing techniques. All of them have been momentary aids to relieve stress & tension, to re-energize, re-focus and/or just feel good.

(You can register for the corresponding video series for free here.)

The 6th technique to explore is a little different. It’s called the recapitulation breath.

The seers of ancient Mexico spoke about memories having an emotional charge that stays with us.

Like a spark of energy.

It could have been an awful experience.

Or it could have been a gloriously positive one.

Either way, the emotional charge, or spark, is contained within the memory itself.

We can breathe back energy we spent in the experience and breathe out any unwanted attachment, freeing our awareness.

Okay, if it sounds too hokey-pokey for you, just focus on the practical feeling after having finished.

Here’s how to do it.

Sit crossed-legged or any sitting position you feel comfortable.

Close your eyes and picture a memory from the past.

See everything from the experience – the physical surroundings, the people, the sounds, smells, everything.

Again, with eyes closed, treat it like you are watching a widescreen movie – a full 180-degree view with as much detail as possible.

Actually put yourself into the recollection.

And once you have the scene, let the film roll:

• Breathe in as you let your head turn all the way to your left shoulder.
• Breathe out as you let your head turn all the way to your right shoulder.

Breathe in to the left shoulder, breathe out to the right.

Do so with a soft belly, almost like your belly is guiding the rhythmic movement of your head, not your neck muscles.

Let the memory/scene play out, in motion.

As it does and you breathe in, imagining collecting all the energy you spent.

And as you breathe out, imagine the unwanted spark that remained with you, releasing from your body, via your navel.

Notice what you feel.

Notice what you didn’t notice at the time.

Continue with this until you no longer feel a strong emotional charge, or spark, from the scene.

It might take a couple of minutes.

If you really get into it, you might stay there for 15-20 minutes.

I would suggest not to force it the first time.

Whenever you feel you’re done, before you open your eyes, take one decompression breath.

On a final exhale, let your body release any lingering tension.

Open your eyes and feel Great.

To explore more, check out my man, Miles Reid.