The Art of Breathing
Learning how to breathe has changed my life. Time and time again, it is what I have needed to rely on throughout my healing journey.
There have been times in my life when everything has been stripped from me. Every coping mechanism, every distraction, every comfort, every sense of safety. But my breath has always remained within reach. It has always been mine.
When all else fails, I focus on my breath. It is what has helped me regulate my nervous system, sooth my anxiety, return to the present moment, and move through whatever is in front of me.
Often in yoga, people talk about mind, body and breath. Often, they can be treated as three separate puzzle pieces. But, your mind, body and breath are all intricately connected and bringing all three together is how one heals. Yoga is the only modality that uses that as the foundation.
If you allow it to be, breath can be your greatest teacher about what you can and cannot control. The breath teaches us how to let go. Ask yourself - can I be aware of my breathing but not in control of my breath?
When I notice myself holding my breath, breathing erratically, or trying to control my breath in anyway, I remind myself to let go. I remind myself to be present with my breath and to let it be.
If you allow it to be, breath can be your greatest teacher about what is going on within you. The breath is always providing us with information.
Watch your breath throughout the day. Is your breathing consistent with what your body requires at this moment? Is the movement free, easeful, adaptive or is it stuck, restricted, controlled - that is how you can measure if you are breathing well. That is how you can measure if you are at ease and grounded.
There is a difference between deep breaths and big breaths. The goal is not to breathe more - in fact, faster breathers often have weakened immune systems and more instances of fatigue. It is about the depth of your breath. So try breathing deep into your abdomen - filling your stomach, your chest and your lungs.
Take time this week to notice your breath. Pay attention to if there are certain times in the day when your breathing changes. If certain situations, people or environments make your breathing feel more controlled and restricted versus long and at ease. Without judgment, observe.
Take time this week to breathe deep.
