Knowing God

I'm so sad that many of my friends and family are stuck in a religious mindset. I can't tell you how devastating it is to see so many walking in fear and we'll so many things. I have to detach myself from my emotional feelings about them. All I can do is love them, you can't change a religious mind to just being. Since my wife and I entered into God's rest 5years ago, our whole lives have changed. Meditating on God and his love for us delivered us from religion. The real answer to life is your relationship with your creator. For us it is God, Jesus and Holy Spirit. We have integrated the seven spirits of God in our daily life and have submitted as much as possible to God everything. I can honestly say it is not easy for me because I need a lot of work. This dying daily is a constant process for me and not easy. Ok, so let's be honest, most of us have issues and are working on perfection. Unless we are already perfect I don't know. So I don't have much tolerance for those who are close minded, or do not want to learn. So I will just love, forgive and move on. Kristi however loves all, forgives all and is blesses unconditionally. I'm not there yet, I have 30 years over her with lots of hard rocks. Military, police background , prison, and hard upbringing. Crazy as it is I am still alive. My wife and I are twins in many ways, best friends and workout buddies. Can't get any better, all we need is a house, a good car and plenty of money to help others. That's all for now, thank you for listening.

David and Kristi
See you soon

Let me explain the correct and incorrect ways of breathing during meditation:

The Correct Way of Breathing for Meditation:

1. Diaphragmatic Breathing: Also known as "belly breathing," this is considered the ideal breathing method for meditation. To practice diaphragmatic breathing:
- Sit up straight with your shoulders relaxed.
- Breathe in through your nose, allowing your belly to expand and rise.
- Exhale through your nose, letting your belly gently fall.
- Focus on the natural rise and fall of your abdomen as you breathe.
- Ensure your chest remains relatively still, with the movement occurring primarily in your belly.

This type of breathing helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's rest and digest response. It promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and can enhance the meditative experience.

The Incorrect Way of Breathing for Meditation:

1. Shallow Chest Breathing: This is a common, but suboptimal, breathing pattern for meditation. It involves taking quick, shallow breaths primarily using the chest muscles, rather than the diaphragm. Characteristics of shallow chest breathing include:
- Your chest rises and falls with each breath, rather than your abdomen.
- Your breaths are rapid and shallow, rather than slow and deep.
- You may feel a sense of constriction or tightness in your chest.

Shallow chest breathing can induce a stress response in the body, leading to increased heart rate, muscle tension, and feelings of anxiety or unease. This type of breathing is not conducive to the relaxed, focused state that is often the goal of meditation.

It's important to note that the correct breathing technique may take some practice to master. Be patient with yourself and continue to focus on deep, diaphragmatic breathing during your meditation practice. Over time, it will become more natural and effortless.
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Let me provide some additional details on the correct breathing technique for meditation:

Proper Diaphragmatic Breathing Technique:

1. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Ensure your spine is straight, but not strained.

2. Place one hand on your belly, just below your ribcage, and the other hand on your chest.

3. Breathe in slowly through your nose, allowing your belly to expand and push your hand outward. Your chest should move minimally, with the majority of the movement coming from your abdomen.

4. Pause for a moment at the top of the inhalation.

5. Exhale slowly through your nose or mouth, letting your belly fall inward and your hand move back toward your body. Again, your chest should remain relatively still.

6. Pause briefly at the bottom of the exhalation before repeating the cycle.

Benefits of Diaphragmatic Breathing:

- Promotes relaxation by activating the parasympathetic nervous system
- Improves oxygen intake and carbon dioxide exchange
- Reduces stress and anxiety by lowering heart rate and blood pressure
- Enhances focus and concentration during meditation
- Can alleviate symptoms of certain health conditions, such as asthma, insomnia, and chronic pain

It's important to note that proper breathing technique takes practice. Be patient with yourself, and don't get discouraged if it feels unnatural at first. With regular practice, diaphragmatic breathing will become more natural and effortless.

Remember, the key is to focus on the gentle rise and fall of your abdomen, rather than the movement of your chest. This will help you achieve the relaxed, focused state that is characteristic of successful meditation.
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Here are some helpful tips to make diaphragmatic breathing a consistent habit during your meditation practice:

1. Start Small:
- Begin by practicing diaphragmatic breathing for just 5-10 minutes per day.
- Gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable with the technique.

2. Set Reminders:
- Set regular reminders or alarms to practice your breathing exercises.
- Associate the reminders with specific times of day or routine activities to build the habit.

3. Incorporate it into Your Meditation:
- Make diaphragmatic breathing the foundation of your meditation practice.
- Focus on the breath as your primary object of attention during meditation.

4. Use Cues:
- Place your hand on your belly to serve as a physical reminder to breathe into your abdomen.
- Visualize your belly expanding and contracting with each inhalation and exhalation.

5. Be Patient and Persistent:
- Changing a breathing habit takes time and consistent practice.
- Stick with it, even if it feels unnatural at first. It will become more effortless over time.

6. Try Guided Breathing Exercises:
- Listen to audio recordings or videos that guide you through diaphragmatic breathing.
- This can help you learn the proper technique and stay focused during the practice.

7. Combine with Other Mindfulness Practices:
- Integrate diaphragmatic breathing with other meditation techniques, such as body scans or mantra recitation.
- This can reinforce the habit and deepen your overall meditation experience.

Remember, the key is to make diaphragmatic breathing a regular part of your daily routine. With consistent practice, it will become a natural and effortless part of your meditation and overall well-being.
Love Wins,
David and kristi Portillo (You Tube)
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