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! 

Perception

‘ A belief or opinion based on how things seem.’

How many of us have had an argument, defending our opinion, thinking a person-situation-action was right or wrong? It is a hilarious concept that causes so much dysfunction and many arguments. How can any of us be right or wrong? After all it’s all in how we perceive it. 

 

Is the answer perspective? Having perspective opens us to the possibility that everyone has a valid opinion depending on their own personal experience. We all experience life and situations differently. There can be no wrong! 

Having individual needs and mixing them with our life conditioning allows a lifestyle pattern to emerge. What works for one of us may not work for the other. If our conditioning tells us something is good or bad, then we react to the situation. If our reaction comes from having a ‘crappy day’ more arguments can arise. So where does our conditioning come from? It mostly comes from our parents, life experience and our social cultural exposure. Some of us will see a glass as half full, others as half empty. At any given time, we can change our empty glass to one that is overflowing. 

Adding acceptance into any lifestyle pattern offers us yet another perspective. Accepting each other for who we are, our quirky ways and all, is a beautiful thing. When we fully let go of limitations like judgement, ego and control we can then embrace authenticity. 

We are human beings full of thoughts, contradictions and emotions. We can all live with each other, as long as we understand that a different perception exists in any given situation. When we remember that each one of us is a bundle of needs, conditions and experiences, we can openly accept all rants and raves without any dysfunction and hostility.

If our needs in life are similar to another persons, relating to them becomes easy and friendships form. How long any friendship lasts can depend on what we have in common, what we learn, or what we teach each other. If we offer love and acceptance, then that friendship can be for life. If we offer conditions and judgement, it can lead to separation. 

We attract what we are. 

Acknowledging how we relate to ourselves, determines how we relate to others. If there is a healthy relationship within ourselves based on love and respect, then that is what we will offer to others. If we have an unhealthy relationship based on self judgement and control, that is what our friends will offer. 

Having awareness of ourselves and how we react is fantastically healthy. Our life is a reflection of our choices. Lets celebrate that concept and live with collective consciousness. 

On the other hand, your perception of me could be very different to my own. So, whether you get me or not depends on your relationship with yourself. It’s all in our perception. 

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