Hello and welcome to Methods,
An exploration in guided prayer and meditation.
This week we are exploring the theme of agape within the context of our breathwork.
In ancient Greece there are many different words to describe love.
There was philia,
Or brotherly love.
Eros,
Or intimate love.
Storgei,
Or affectionate love.
Pragma,
Or dedicated love.
And agape,
Unconditional love.
Agape is a Greek term for a specific kind of love that is thought to resemble the love with which God loves the world.
There are many ways that words can become a gateway to silence.
At its most fundamental,
It is really only the possibility of speaking that gives the possibility of choosing silence any kind of meaning.
If we could not speak,
Then silence would be our default condition.
Additionally,
There are some times that we want a moment to reflect on the words we are attempting to internalize.
In the first method,
You will find that the space is created with the in-breath.
If there is a sentence or a phrase that seems more relevant to you,
By all means explore this one.
The method goes like this.
Find an upright,
Comfortable position.
Place your feet flat on the floor and rest your hands lightly on your lap.
Gently close your eyes.
As best you can,
Release your worries for the duration of this practice.
Find your breath.
You may wish to consciously slow it.
If not,
Simply observe the breath as it is.
With your next inhalation,
Experience the breath as cleansing.
It is creating an open space within.
With the next exhale,
Say to yourself,
Out loud if you can,
God is love.
With your next inhale,
Create an empty space within you.
With your next exhale,
Think again,
God is love.
With your next inhale,
Enjoy the silence and emptiness.
Continue this pattern of creating inner spaciousness with the inhale.
God is love with the exhale.
God is love with the exhale.
Now,
We will reverse the pattern we just did to give the mantra a different expression.
With your next inhalation,
Think,
God is love.
Breathe out your thoughts,
Words,
And emotions.
Use your out-breath to cleanse yourself of everything but the silence.
With your next inhalation,
Again,
Think,
God is love.
As you breathe out,
Release even your reflections on those three words.
Tell your thoughts about this sacred phrase.
With your next inhalation,
Think,
God is love.
With your next inhalation,
Think,
God is love.
When you're ready,
Release your sacred phrase.
Use this time to enjoy wordless communion.
Try to keep this experience of the unconditional agape love of God with you today.
With each inhale and exhale.
Thank you for participating in this episode of Methods.
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Until next time.
