Story:
There are many times in life when if we could only summon ourselves to "just breathe" we would be harnessing an innate ability to soothe ourselves.
Our breath can be the medication of choice in the moment.
We may be feeling pain, anger, anxiety, fear, or sadness, but we always have our ability to breathe.
Focusing on the breath has been commonly used as a relaxation technique. It is utilized in various forms of exercise and athletic training and, of course, childbirth. Another way of working with the breath has come to North America via yoga and meditation.
Breathing exercises, Pranayama, are just one part of the study and practice of yoga. The first time someone attends a yoga class, they are often surprised by the emphasis on the breath and the different ways of breathing.
Yoga classes can provide an introduction to the power of working with ones breath.
Mindfulness meditation is another practice where the breath is a point of focus. Awareness of meditation is growing quickly, partly due to the popularity of yoga. A number of studies using brain imaging techniques clearly show changes in the brain attributed to a meditation practice.
These changes occur in the areas of the brain related to positive emotional states. By following the breath in and out of the lungs, and staying with your breath, the mind begins to settle. Sounds simple but is not easy.
What usually happens is that our mind keeps finding other things to do. It goes to thoughts of: "to do" lists, conversations from last night, last year, and the last century.
The content of those thoughts can span from mild concerns to very anxious and fearful thinking. Anxious thoughts will produce a stress response in our bodies.
Given the pace of our lives and expectations that many of us feel, getting a break from our "inner task master" is a relief.
"Isn't that what sports, hobbies and TV are for?" you may ask. Yes, but unlike these activities, following your breath allows you to feel calmer and a deeper sense of connection to yourself.
Mindfulness meditation helps you to notice what you are actually thinking and saying to yourself. Our inner taskmaster is often our greatest critic.
Practicing meditation helps us to slow the thought process. Then, we have the opportunity to change what we say and how we speak to ourselves.
The next time your computer crashes, the cashier closes the till, or your toddler breaks your favourite mug, go to your breath and just breathe.
It's free and has no side effects.
