The Power Of Breath

Our breath. It’s a vital, automated bodily function. It’s the first thing we do when we‘re born and the last thing we do before we die. We repeat it over and over throughout our lifespan. Once we learn to regulate it, it offers us more than just an existence or survival. Utilising it‘s power can draw us into deeper states of ease whenever we need it.

Aside from resperation, breath has another important function. It can be used to control the state of our nervous system. Deep, slow breathing stimulates the vagus nerve, which sends a message to our brain that we are safe. It reassures our mind that we are no longer in danger and can relax. Whether we are experiencing a physical danger or mental stress, the physiological response in our body is still the same. It’s designed to keep us safe. It‘s here to help us in short term situations, eg meeting a deadline or running away from a Sabre toothed tiger. But when the stress becomes constant and chronic, it can have a detrimental effect on our health. As the body prepares for escape, everthing that isn’t needed for immediate survival shuts down. Digestion switches off, as do our reproductive organs. The immune system is suppressed. Cortisol is pumped from our adrenal glands, which causes sugar cravings, which would lead to more inflammation and potential weight gain. These are just a couple of examples. As you can imagine, this can be the root of many health concerns. Our organs simply can’t do their jobs properly when they’re switched off and in stress mode. When we use our breath to bring us back to a calm state, that’s when our body systems can start to switch on and thrive.

When going through challenging times that feel beyond our control, slowing down and inhaling more oxygen is probably the last thing you want to do. When you’re in a perplexed mental state, worrying and ruminating over your problems feels like your doing something productive to resolve the situation. In reality, it just re enforces the fear of all the worst case scenarios, and increases our chances of making rash, impulsive decisions that may not help in the long run. When you do allow yourself a little time for breath work or meditation, you may find it uncomfortable, especially if your not used to feeling your less pleasurable emotions. But as you Learn to feel their sensations without needing to judge or run away from them, that’s when you can switch in to a more blissful state. When we are able to feel our feelings, their intensity starts to soften. The pain is there for a moment, but then it starts to ease. When we are in a more grounded state, we can start to make better choices and take actions that will lead to a more positive outcome.

Your breath is something you can use whenever you need it. It’s free and available to you all the time. Just close your eyes. Slowly breathe in. Allow your belly to expand as the lungs fill to capacity with air. Hold on to that breath for a moment before you gradually let it all out. Repeat. You may like to start with a few minutes and if you wish, increase to 10 or 20 mins over time. It may or may not change your life right away or instantly resolve all your problems, but it can ofter you some relief along your journey.