Circum-Respiration: Breathing in a Circle to Find Jizo

In this meditation, you will learn to practice circum-respiration, breathing in a circle. While this may be just a breathing practice, it is enhanced immeasurably if you focus your heart on Jizo Bodhisattva, the Buddhist protector, holding a safe place within you for Chibi, the little one; your inner child.

Breathe in a circle

Know that you are held safely in this moment; loved within this sacred circle held by Jizo, just as your most vulnerable self is safe and warm and loved within the circle of your breath.

Sit comfortably. Soften your gaze. Breathe naturally without trying to control your breath. Begin to paint a circle with two fingers, see the brushstroke moving softly and feel your breath join the circle. Gradually, bring your breath into the shape of the circle, rounding the top and bottom of the breath. When you feel your eyes wanting to close, close them with a smile. Let your breathing return to normal.

Open your eyes to a soft gaze and paint the circle, again and again, clockwise. See the brushstroke softly painting and feel your breath join the circle. Let your eyes follow the circle. No strain, no stress. Switch to your inner eyes, if you like. Let your breath gently keep pace with your eyes. Feel your breath rise and curve as you inhale, and lower and curve as you exhale, easily moving around the circle. Keep circling gently, no stops, no catches, just slow simple circles.

Let the circle enclose you in peace

After 10 breaths in each direction, switch back and forth, clockwise and counterclockwise, as feels right to you. Let the feelings of safety, warmth, and love flow over you. When thoughts arise, do not judge them, just let them be as you focus back on the breath, on the circle you are painting. Let the circle enclose you in calm, soothing, safety and peace.

Whenever you wish, lie down and imagine you are lying within the robes of Jizo, safe and protected. …and know that you are going to get a good nights’ sleep tonight.

 

 

Introductory Meditation

May this serve as a safe and quiet place to experience Jizo & Chibi…

…by taking a moment to slow down and try stillness.

Notice your breath. Attaining a quiet mind is not the goal here. Just breathe.

For now, reading this page, let go of any notion of what meditation is.

…see your surroundings.  …feel your body.

Take a deep breath in and hold it for a moment and then sip in a little more breath…

Fill your lungs as full as you can… and smile as you breathe out slowly; slowly…

If you have the time, take a few more deep and cleansing breaths.

If you find that you can’t be still – or don’t want to be still –

Smile and give kind attention to your busy mind.

Notice it; be curious. Do not hate it. Do not try to love or accept it.

Then, listen to the sounds, outside. Listen to yourself, inside.

Sense a quiet moment, if it comes, maybe in between breaths. If not, do not worry.

There is no perfect path, there is only trying with compassion; without expectations.

Perhaps as you practice breathing you could wonder about Jizo, an enlightened teacher,

a bodhisattva, who dedicated all of eternity to helping those who suffer.

…and take another deep breath, smiling as you exhale out as much breath as you can.

If you are still antsy, notice where you are not anxious and gently

try and move some of your focus to where you feel more grounded.

You might also be in touch with the Chibi inside you

as you continue breathing deeply and evenly.

Consider the little people, or animals, you love …and breathe in at an even pace.

Throughout your day, try to remember to smile as you exhale.

…and if you cannot slow down now as you visit us

then feel free to rush through our pages as fast as you need to.

We hope you will come back again when you have time to pause and breathe.

Jizo, Chibi and I hope you like it here.

Sincerely,
Valerie Johns