“Some meditation methods suggest that we pay attention to our breath, as a way of quieting our mind.”

– MA Workbook, first edition, page 53

For me, meditation is a time for reflection, to carve a few moments out of my day to intentionally slow down, practice presence, and to sit in conversation with the Highest version of myself. I also use meditation as an opportunity to receive what I refer to as “Divine Downloads.”

Like many of us, I preferred to consume cannabis by smoking it (which I later realized was a form of deep breathing practice). I would fill my lungs as much as possible, holding my breath as long as I could. Then, with that exhale, all the cares of the world left me. So, when I quit smoking, I also quit intentional breathing.

As I came to Step Eleven, I found intentional breathing again by simply starting to focus on my breath and using it as an anchor, in preparation of, and during meditation. One day in meditation, I received one of these “Divine Downloads” and the message I heard was that I wasn’t ever craving weed, I was craving a deep breath, and the sigh of relief that comes with it.

Final Thought: As I breathe in “I let God” take care of my life, and as I breathe out “I let go.”