Choose a quiet spot where you can be alone for a while. Allow yourself at least thirty to sixty minutes.

Light a candle and sit at your altar space or create one if you do not have one. (Please see the article on Create a Sacred Space). Sit in a comfortable position with your spine straight. Place your hands over your belly and allow the breath to move into this area, filling your belly with the breath.

As you bring your breath into your belly, expand it as you inhale, then relax as you exhale. It may take you a while to get used to opening your belly with your breath, as most people are not accustomed to breathing in this manner. Imagine a heavy weight sitting on your belly, and visualize pushing it off of you. This will help you to open your breath. Once the belly is moving, you can practice bringing the breath up into your solar plexus and then up into your heart. Notice if there is any areas where your breathing is difficult. If so, focus on these areas and breathe into it. Release any unwanted stress or thoughts by sending them out your arms or legs. If you feel any numbness or tension in your arms and legs, keep breathing through it with a deep, connected breathing pattern, and allow the breath to release the unnecessary toxins that have been stored in your body.

Breathe for at least thirty minutes if possible. Allow the breath to cleanse your spirit, releasing unwanted stress and residue from your day, the people around you, and your environment. Stay with your breath while you allow different thoughts or feelings to surface. See if you can notice where you hold it in your body. You may begin to notice tightness or restriction in your neck, belly, knees, or somewhere else. Do not try to push it away, but allow it to open with your breath. Ask to be fully present with whatever is coming up. What do you feel, and where do you hold it in your body? Begin to breathe into this area. Open your heart to the feeling and melt it with your love.

Just keep breathing and moving through it. If it is caused by a situation or circumstance, visualize the situation and put some light around the issue, offering it up to be healed. If you follow it all the way through to be released, you will feel better for having done the work. No matter how difficult the circumstance, the healing happens through your connection to Source, in the presence of the moment with love. Allow your stress and unresolved feelings to be released.

Practice forgiveness. Forgive yourself first, and then move to anyone else whom you need to forgive. When you are complete, give thanks for having taken the time for some deep breathing and clearing. Sit in silence, and allow yourself to receive the many benefits from this work. You may want to focus on your candle flame for a while or just close your eyes and turn your gaze inward. Enjoy a sense of relaxation and renewal. When you feel complete, wiggle your hands and feet and bring yourself back into your room, feeling awake and fully present.