The Inner Tide

the tides hold the universe and so does your breath...a poem and a practice

always inspired by the infinite possibilities of the tide.

each day, a new mirror

restless beauty, raging, cleansing

carving canyons, cradling stone

moonlit, glistening sun

each meeting, a new conversation

how will we move?

just when I begin to understand, it’s time to let you go

we’re reformed in the dance, then back to the whole

Tidal Breath Practice

a meditative breathing practice to resource the body and connect to your inner tide (listen for extended practice, or read below)

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I have always found something incredibly natural about breathing with water, letting it cleanse and guide.

I first encountered this practice in a Qi Gong course, where we brought in the inner imagery of the tide, imagining breath as a rhythmic ebb and flow within the body.

It made so much sense to me, and has become a way for me to return to a my body and breath in a way that is gentle and allowing, drawing upon the resource of water.

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find a comfortable position, seated or standing

let your body settle in the way it wants to

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begin by noticing the natural rhythm and quality of your breath

is it shallow, deep, smooth, textured?

not judging, just noticing

can you sense more of your body involved in the breathing?

back body breathing

belly breathing

skin breathing

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imagine your breath like the tide.

on the inhale…

filling outward, expanding,

moving gently to meet the shores of your skin.

and on the exhale…

the tide draws back towards centre

receding, returning

to a deep, still place inside.

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inhale….drifting out.

exhale…. drawing inward.

if it feels right, stay here for 5–10 rounds of breath, or longer.

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allow the image of the tide to soften, when you’re ready

then gently reorient to the room

the light, the sounds.

perhaps you find a place inside, to carry the that tide, to return to whenever you need.

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I’d love to know what you noticed, your reflections or experience.