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Meditation.
The Polarity of Our Breath

Meditation is a vast tradition with many meanings, and we’re not trying to explain all of it here. Instead, we focus on one simple characteristic: when the mind slows down, the space between opposites becomes easier to see.

 

This exercise uses a breathing technique from the yogic tradition — nadi shodhana, or alternate-nostril breathing — to let participants experience duality directly inside their own bodies. Right and left. Active and calm. Inhale and exhale. Instead of fighting polarity “out there”, we simply notice how it also lives “in here”.

 

Through this gentle practice, the mind becomes a little more present, and conversations become a little more open.

Why Meditation Helps With Polarisation?

Meditation slows the mind enough for us to notice our automatic reactions — the judgments, fears, beliefs, or stories that can fuel polarisation. When breath and attention come together, the body settles, and the mind becomes less defensive. This creates more room to listen, to reflect, and to stay present with differing perspectives. A calmer internal landscape makes it easier to engage with external differences.

About This Method

Exercise Purpose

  • Help participants experience internal duality safely

  • Connect breath and awareness

  • Learn that polarisation is not only “between people” but also “within ourselves”

  • Create calm presence before difficult conversations

  • Show meditation as a simple tool

 
Core Tool

Nadi Shodhana (alternate-nostril breathing)

 
Framing the Practice

  • Not religious

  • Not requiring perfection

  • Just a tool to increase presence and awareness

  • Based on body-mind balance

image_edited.jpg

Image retrieved from Om Magazine.

Steps

1. Sit comfortably
 

No special posture needed. A chair is fine. Try to sit with your spine upright but relaxed.

 

2. Bring your attention to your breath

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No need to change it yet. Just notice the rhythm.

 

3. Prepare for alternate-nostril breathing

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  • Use your right hand.

  • Thumb closes the right nostril.

  • Ring finger closes the left nostril.

  • Keep the touch light.

 

4. Start the cycle:

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  • Close the right nostril → inhale through the left.

  • Switch. Close the left → exhale through the right.

  • Inhale through the right.

  • Switch. Exhale through the left.

This is one cycle.

 

5. Repeat slowly for 6–10 cycles

 

Let your attention rest on the contrast: left / right, cool / warm, soft / firm.
No need to “achieve” anything. Just observe.

 

6. After finishing, sit normally for 30 seconds

 

Notice how your mind feels. Notice any shifts — even very small ones.

 

7. Short Reflection (optional)

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  • What differences did you feel between left and right?

  • What changed inside you when you slowed down?

  • How does inner duality relate to outer polarity?

tools2connect

This method was designed in collaboration with Doctor Amaravathi Eraballi - healthcare specialist and yoga philosophy teacher from India. Drawing from the Patanjali Yoga Sutras and the wisdom of Dharma, she helped us understand that duality is part of how the human mind organises knowledge — we divide in order to understand. Meditation helps us see that these divisions are not the full truth. Through experience, not theory, the mind and body can settle into a clearer awareness where polarities soften. 

Namaste.

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