The Art of Breathing

One of the simplest forms of relaxation is breathing. It is free, holds great power that leads us to wellbeing and can change our life instantly. Yoga is based on it, chanting and meditation requires it, singing needs it and without breath there is no life. So why is it so under valued? 

Is it because breathing is taken for granted? Our lungs automatically do the work for us, so is awareness really needed? The answer is a big YES! 

When we tune into the art of breathing, it lifts us into a state of happiness, openness, with a beautiful feeling of freedom. Taking slow, deep breaths oxygenates the blood, uses the full capacity of the lungs, lowers our heart beat, lowers blood pressure and brings about a feeling of relaxation. How fantastic is that!? We gain more clarity when we are relaxed, we can handle situations and people in a more positive manner and being a nicer person is a result of it. With this new found knowledge, lets bring about awareness of our breathing.

Right now as you read this blog, be aware of your breathing. Is it shallow or deep? Fast or slow? Are you breathing through your mouth or nose? Do not change it or control it, just be aware of it. How do you breathe? 

Now is the fun part - lets add some mindfulness into our breathing, how? By owning the gift of being present. 

• Blow your nose, yes you are reading this right - there is method in the madness. 
• Once your nose is blown, sit down and continue reading. 
• Now start breathing through the nose only - how does it feel?
• Slow down your breathing, by taking deep breathes in and out of the nose. 
• Slow your breathing down even more, so it sounds like the sea crashing against rocks. 
• Get some rhythm going, feel it. 
• Keep it slow.
• Close your eyes and feel your lungs expand with air.
• Breathe even more deeply, until your lungs are so full of air there is no more room left. 
• How do you feel? 
• Keep it going.
• Now lets go deeper....breathe in for the count of 3.
• Hold your breath for the count of 3.
• Breathe out for the count of 3.
• Hold for the count of 3. 
• Keep this 3x3 breathing going for 3 minutes or there about. 
• Now open your eyes and gauge how you feel. 

We have just been mindful of our breathing, or meditated on our breathing, or performed a short pranayama (yogic breathing). The most important thing is that we were present and aware of our breathing. It is so simple. 

Doing this regularly throughout our day will change us, taking us into a blissful state of relaxation and peacefulness. It can be done anywhere, anytime and no one need know we are doing it. Do it in work when there is a feeling of stress, in the car when the kids are being noisy kids, in a massive queue where tolerance is being tested, or when an argument is brewing. Whatever the situation, we can choose this breathing technique to add relaxation into our lives. 

If you feel connected to this topic and would like to explore it further, I can offer my guided chakra meditation and chanting available to download here.

We cannot forget to breathe but we can be conscious of how we breathe! 

Guest appearance

Coming from a line of healers and psychics, expecting the unexpected is a big part of my everyday lifestyle however, nothing prepared me for my recent happening. 

A few months ago I visited a recording studio. I wanted to record my Thursday evening chakra balancing meditation and chanting class. Having never visited a recording studio before, it was what I would call a sweaty palm experience that pushed me way beyond my comfort zones. I was introduced to the set up and shown what to do. Once I was over the initial shock of hearing my Scottish accent, the producer Al and I started recording. We managed to record nearly everything in the first take, which delighted me. As Al was working through the recordings, he noticed random and strange wave lengths showing up in the recordings. Intrigued we listened to the the wave lengths, which exposed a few amazing surprises....

After a few swear words, followed by a silent open mouth experience we continued to listen. Guest voices were on the recording, yes really! The clearest voice was right at the beginning of the heart chakra recording. Just before you hear my voice, a mans voice said “ Hi Natalie, love....” Al and I listened to the voice over and over, wow! It was incredible. 

As we continued to listen to the other wave lengths, we found more noises as well as another guest appearance at the end of the chakra chanting recording. This time it was a rather posh woman’s voice saying “ It’s done, fantastic...” Wow! 

Al and I were blown away by these guest appearances. There was after all, only my voice being recorded or so we thought. Keeping the original recording full of spiritual delights, I feel blessed to now offer it on my website. It was an experience that will never be forgotten, and one that defies all logic. 

For me, it emphasizes the fact that love is eternal. No matter where we are in this universe, the only energy that stands the test of time is LOVE. 

When I returned home, I let my husband and son listen to it. My teenage angst manboy son shouted ‘Oh my god, what was that?!’ and my husband developed a pale expression and found it very spooky. I am trusting their reaction came from hearing the guest appearances, and not from hearing my voice?! 

You can download my chakra balancing meditation and chanting here

Have an amazing 2014! 

For more information about my work click here