With each breath, you take in approximately one million of the same atoms once breathed by Jesus, the Buddha, and everyone else who ever lived. This is why, teaches Dennis Lewis, breathing is much more than a personal activity. On Natural Breathing, Lewis shows you how to find "the world in your body" through a new awareness that begins with your next breath. This extraordinary journey of discovery starts with your own diaphragm (the "spiritual muscle") and guides you through transformative "selfsensing" exercises that bring you face-to-face with the miraculous energies of life itself. Natural Breathing distills the essence of Lewis' lifework, leading you step-by-step through your body, mind, and spirit to discover your own authentic breath. Richly interlaced with powerful meditations and practices, this one-of-a-kind presentation will leave you breathing-and living-more fully than you ever thought possible. Previously released as Breathing as a Metaphor for Living.
Dennis Lewis (1940-), a long-time-student of Taoism, Advaita, and the Gurdjieff Work, teaches the transformative power of presence through Authentic Breathing(R), qigong, meditation, mindfulness, and self-inquiry. He leads workshops throughout the United States, at venues such as Esalen Institute, The New York Open Center, The Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, and various qigong conferences.
Lewis co-edited two books (now out of print) with Jacob Needleman in the 1970s: "Sacred Tradition & Present Need" and "On the Way to Self Knowledge." His book "The Tao of Natural Breathing: For Health, Well-Being and Inner Growth" was first published in September, 1996, and was republished by Rodmell Press in May 2006. His two-cassette audio program entitled "Breathing as a Metaphor for Living" was released by Sounds True in September 1998, and then re-released on CD in April 2005 as "Natural Breathing." His book "Free Your Breath, Free Your Life: How Conscious Breathing Can Relieve Stress, Increase Vitality, and Help You Live More Fully" was published by Shambhala Publications in May 2004. His most recent book "Breathe Into Being: Awakening to Who You Really Are," was published by Quest Books in May 2009.
He is a member of the National Qigong Association and is listed in Who's Who in America.
