Breathing. It’s something we do every moment that we are alive, thankfully. It’s an automatic function of our body and the majority of the time, we aren’t even aware that we are doing it.
If you think about it, the process of breathing is quite miraculous. We breathe in air through our nose and mouth, filling our lungs, which then extracts oxygen and then transfers this most essential element to our cells, which at the same time release carbon dioxide. And because of this dynamic, continuous process, we are alive.
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But how many of us are aware of our breath at any given moment?.
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But how many of us, including myself, are aware of our breath at any given moment? I dare say the majority of the time we are not.
Conscious breathing, or mindful breathing, is one of the easiest techniques to bring our awareness to the present moment no matter the circumstances around us. This type of breathing is the best way of quieting the mind and reducing the brain chatter that we all experience every waking moment of the day.
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With a regular practice you will soon discover the ability to quiet the mind, have clearer focus, more deliberate actions and a more enhanced ability to make good decisions.
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With a regular practice of mindful breathing incorporated throughout your week, you will soon discover what I have come to learn and that is the ability to quiet the mind, have clearer focus, more deliberate actions and a much more enhanced ability to make good decisions. And with a little time, you will discover your experience with day-to-day moments to be more fulfilling, meaningful and joyful.
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Breathing in, I know I am breathing in.
Breathing out, I know that I am breathing out.
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There are a number of breathing techniques you can use to make this process a habit. The first one I will offer is very simple. As you breathe in, you say to yourself, “Breathing in, I know that I am breathing in.” And as you breathe out, you say to yourself, “Breathing out, I know that I am breathing out.” That’s it! You are simply recognizing your in-breath and your out-breath as they happen in that moment. You don’t even need to say the entire sentence, you can actually just use two words: “In” and “Out.” This technique will help you keep your mind on your breath. Repeat this several times and you will instantly become aware that your mind has stilled, thoughts slowed, body calmed and you are more clear.
And you can do this most basic technique anywhere, anytime. In the office, during a meeting, in traffic, sitting alone or in the midst of a crowd of people. If you have young children, I encourage you to do this with them. It’s a fantastic experience to share and you are planting the seeds of conscious, mindful breathing to your children.
Breathing in and out is very important, and it can be very enjoyable. Our breathing is the link between our body and our mind. Oftentimes our minds are thinking one thing and our body is doing another and the two are not unified. By concentrating on our breathing, “In” and “Out,” we bring body and mind back together, and become whole again. Conscious, mindful breathing is an important bridge.
So go ahead, give it a try. You will be amazed at the benefits you begin to receive in such a short period of time.