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Teaching: A new cycle begins this week on mindfulness of feelings. When feelings arise, there is a strong tendency for us to grasp onto them as I or mine. Therefore, we need to learn how to release grasping and identification with feelings and remain simply present with them. As for release, Alan emphasizes the importance of learning how to breathe properly. Without proper breathing, it’s difficult for our meditation to progress, since the prana system is central to body/mind. Proper breathing is a skill we need to learn and master. Alan suggests that we first master breathing in the supine position before moving to the sitting position. Meditation: mindfulness of breathing method of your choice. Balance vigilance with relaxation. Let the body breathe naturally. Don’t manipulate the breath by expelling out or pulling in. Get out of the way by releasing all control of and any preferences with regard to the breath. With every out breath, release (bodily tension and rumination) more deeply. The out breath provides the best opportunity to relax and relinquish all effort. Meditation starts at 7:02