Life begins with your first breathe and ends with your last.
Just watch a baby breathe. Breathing is an involuntary action. Or is it?
While breathing is mostly involuntary, your breathing is nothing to take for granted. Breath is the fuel of life. Your breath carries oxygen to every cell, all 70 trillion of them. Breathing eliminates toxins and stressors.
Breath helps us to communicate, to calm, to center, to circulate (not just oxygen, but thoughts and insights).
For breath is life and if you breathe well, you will live long on earth. Sanskrit Proverb
Many mystics and ancient cultures have believed for centuries that breath is evidence of spirit and that working with breath is a spiritual practice. In many languages, including Sanskrit, Greek, Latin and Hebrew, breath and spirit are the same word.
Today, science is proving the importance of “breathing well” and its ability to heal. How you breathe affects you physically but also your state of mind and how you feel. Different breathing techniques are powerful tools.
We need to learn how to breathe “more slowly, more quietly, more deeply, and regularly”, says Dr. Andrew Weil.
How you breathe can be invigorating; it can be calming; it can bring clarity and done improperly (shallow chest breathing) can be a health hazard. We thrust our chin and neck forward especially while on the computer; we hold our breath; we stiffen our spine; we shrug our shoulders.
Healthy breathing strengthens and improves the function of your diaphragm, which will keep your spine flexible and your core strong.
Your most important tool for well being and reducing stress is your breath. You may not be able to see it but it is an invisible force.
Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor. Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Buddhist Monk
And the good news is you don’t have to be in a yoga class or have a dedicated meditation practice (though it’s a good idea), to begin breathing well.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for medical counseling. Intentional Health and DIY Health & Wellness does not treat, prevent, cure, or diagnose any disease or ailment.
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