Breathe Easy

Question: What do we do every moment of the day, waking and sleeping, without even thinking - and it's free?

Answer:
                         


The breath is our life force, our vital energy, and we perform this function from the moment we emerge in this world until the moment we leave. Yet for something that comes so naturally, we actually aren't very good at it. Most people breathe incorrectly,  using only a small part of their lung capacity. Which means that we don't get the full benefit of the flow of oxygen into the body and the release of carbon dioxide.

Did you know that improper breathing habits can contribute to anxiety, panic attacks, depression, muscle tension, headaches and fatigue?

How many times a day are you aware of your breathing?
 I suspect, not often, we all take it for granted, yet tuning into the breath, increasing your awareness of your breathing patterns and shifting to rhythmic, deeper. slower breathing is a simple and effective way to help reduce many anxiety disorders and reduce the feelings of stress.

Have a go at this simple exercise.

Close your eyes and tune into the breath now.
Place one hand on your abdomen, and the other on your chest (this may be easier if you lie down on the floor, bend your knees if you need to)
Breathe in and out through the nose.
Observe the natural and spontaneous breathing process.
How does it feel?
Is it shallow, fast, slow, smooth, do you hold your breath?
Just observe.
Which hand rises the most as you inhale, the hand on your chest or the hand on your belly?

Now shift your attention to your nose, and notice how the breath is cool as it enters the nostrils and warm as it flows out.
Witness the passage of the breath as it flows into the throat , moves down into the chest, and lungs.
Be aware of the lungs expanding and relaxing.
Observe the breath as it reaches and expands the rib cage,
and finally,
bring the awareness down to your abdomen, and feel the abdomen move upwards/outwards on inhalation, and lower as you exhale, as the diaphragm rises and falls.
Don't strain, let the breath be easy, smoothe, gentle, rhythmic.

And observe its return journey up through the body, until it emerges as warm air from your nostrils.
Notice how there is a momentary pause at the top and the bottom of the breath, a gentle stillness.

Spend some time witnessing the whole breathing process from the nostrils to the abdomen.

Just taking time to tune into the breath in this way can help produce a more relaxed breathing rhythm, and a sensation of calm. Try this for 5 minutes each day, or when you begin to feel your stress levels rise, and enjoy the benefits.

NB Ancient yogis noticed that animals with a slow breath rate such as elephants and tortoises have long life spans, while creatures such as dogs, rabbits, and birds who have a more rapid respiratory rate, only live a few years.

 So tune into your inner elephant!