Go for a walk in nature. Breathe slightly deeper than normal. At the point when the inhalation ends and the exhalation begins, bring your attention up to the third eye. Then close your eyes and hold your breath until the slightest tension or discomfort enters your mind or body. This technique is called khumbhaka: breath retention. If you can get into a good rhythm, doorways of perception will open. Keep your attention on the center of the light and walk through it as a multidimensional being.

Practice this as long as it is energizing and fun. Make it a dynamic, creative process whereby each breath is slightly different. This prevents this powerful process from becoming monotonous. Mechanical spiritual processes—like mindlessly repeating a mantra—dull the mind and eventally close the doors of perception.

Do not confuse a dull mind and a relaxed mind. Both may have similar EEG wave patterns, but that is where the similarity ends. Monotony leads to neurosis while a conscious, relaxed mind leads to creativity. A dulled mind is afraid to break free from patterns. A relaxed mind is eager to explore new frontiers. So be warned: this process can create either dullness or genius. The “secret” is to make each breath special or pleasurable.

In Rest: Clear Visions

Practice this method of breath retention (called kumbhaka) while in the corpse pose (lying comfortably flat on your back). As you hold your breath, relax your jaw and every muscle in your head. Gaze into the center of the darkness until light bursts forth.

Unlike most meditations, this technique is effective in any sleeping position. It will give you vivid or lucid dreams, and for some people, provide a quick solution for insomnia. If you wake up in the night, simply smile inside, breathe deeper than normal, then bring your attention to the third eye as you hold your breath. All sorts of visions will pass by. Observe, enjoy, exhale, and return to the quality of your experience: the joy and love you are creating from your heart. This downward movement of your attention from the third eye to the chest will quickly put you to sleep. If you want to enter a lucid dream, simply keep your attention at the third eye during the entire process. If you want to enter Wizard Rest, go directly to the Heart (beyond the chakras).

Knocking at the Door

Practice the kumbhaka technique in a very slow, gentle way. Shift the emphasis onto the subtle pleasures of each breath. As the third eye opens, breathe less deeply. Be ready to abandon the technique at the precise moment an inner doorway opens. In order to walk through a doorway of light, there can be no attachments to the physical realm. Never forget to open your heart and smile.