Are you breathing?
Well, yes, sure you are… but, are you ‘really’ breathing!?
Often we can find ourselves breathing shallowly, especially when we’re stressed, busy or distracted… By connecting to our Breath we help the mind and body become calm, as deepening our Breath allows the nervous system to relax and balance
..Breath, quite simply, is Life..
Noticing where your Breath is at, and how your body is feeling allows us to become more ‘aware’ and ‘present’.
By deepening our Breath, lengthening our exhalations and inhaling fully, not only do we receive more oxygen to the body as a whole, but we also release stress and tension from the body.. Focusing our attention on the Breath also calms the mind..
While reading now, take a moment to become fully aware of the Breath, and the sensations in your body.. Notice where you are holding tension… With each exhale soften.. Relax the jaw; allow the shoulders to relax down, and the heart to gently lift.. Let the Breath move slowly and gently through the nostrils..Inhaling deeply and fully.. Exhaling slowly, softly..
Coming to the Breath with awareness has many benefits:
‘Clarity’ – Connecting to our Breath on a deeper level brings us into the ‘Now’. Once we are fully present we become clearer… We experience ‘clarity’ more profoundly by embracing the present Moment..
‘Awareness’ – Breathing deep releases the ‘unconscious states’ of being, which we all fall into at times : Worrying about the Future.. Dwelling on the Past…… being anywhere but , here, Now..
’Energy’ – By working with our Breath we release untapped Energy… Revitalising and invigorating… Energising the Body and the Mind.. Extremely beneficial for health challenges such as ‘anxiety’ ,‘depression’ and stress related illnesses…..
A simple 5 minute ‘Breath’ technique:
This breathwork technique can be practiced anywhere.. [sat at the computer,.. sitting/standing on the bus or train,.. waiting for the traffic lights to change.. etc.etc.]..
The ideal would be to find a quiet place and either sit or lie down… Get comfy and relax.. Allow the whole body to relax then begin connecting with your Breath…
Bring your awareness to your belly, and with each long ‘inhale’ allow the belly to soften and gently expand [ballooning the belly].. pausing briefly with the breath held in….
With each slow ‘exhale’ allow the belly to gently draw back [deflating] ..Inhale deeply and expand the bellyExhale slowly and fully, deflating the belly
Practise this for a few minutes and experience a deep sense of calm and relaxation…
Calming the Mind; Energising the Body…..
Enjoy
xx
By Jill Shaw-Feather
Jill Shaw-Feather is a Yoga Teacher in Brisbane and offers Classes & Retreats Classes in Camp Hill/Coorparoo .. Retreats in ‘Sri Lanka’ September ’10 and Mount Tambourine March ’11.. plus workshops throughout the year..
Feel free to ring/text: 0434506098
or e-mail: earthrunner@optusnet.com.au