In many forms of training – perhaps most – the relationship between control and release of control is important.

In mindfulness training, this relationship has a special significance – because here we often work on a boundary where controlling and letting go approach each other. And sometimes merge. This first part of Martin's 'Breathing Exercise in Two Parts' works towards and on this very boundary.
First by introducing the concept of 'controlled breathing' and explaining its possibilities.
Then by practicing it. And then letting it go.
Then to delve into it again.
And then again let go and feel the naturalness of breathing.

For those interested in the nervous system, we could say that this guidance raises awareness, utilizes and appeals alternately to the part of the autonomic nervous system called sympathetic which is activated when we exercise control, and then parasympathetic which has to do with relaxation and giving up control. In order to perhaps then be able to experience how the two parts of the nervous system begin to merge together.

Martin mentions that this exercise is a possible precursor to meditation, in addition to being one of the primary calming techniques.

The great spiritual traditions have all used the image of a stringed instrument when explaining the balance between control and release that is the ideal atmosphere for meditation: Just as a stringed instrument, they say, in order to play must be tuned so that the strings are in the ideal position between too tight and too loose, so too with consciousness.
Martin's exercises invite you to tune the instrument of consciousness and the body through breathing.

Photo: Ulrich Hald