Breathe Deep
We’re so busy all the time, we barely have time to breathe. It sounds cliche, but I mean it literally. We are so busy doing stuff, so busy worrying, so focused on what’s next that we never stop to just breathe.
Breathing is a cool thing, actually. It’s one of the few bodily functions that can be controlled both consciously and unconsciously. Unconscious breathing is controlled by the brainstem, which regulates the rate and depth of your breathing. It’s the reason that you’re breathing softly and slowly right now, and why you breathe fast and hard when you’re exercising. It keeps us alive and we don’t even have to think about it.
Interesting fact: People have survived over two hours without breathing when submerged in freezing cold water. But just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
Conscious breathing has an astounding physical and mental effect. It calms us down when we’re stressed about money, angry that some jerk just cut us off on the highway, or excited that our team just won the Super Bowl. Regardless of the emotions we’re feeling, taking a deep breathe will bring us back to reality when we’re ready.
Focused breathing, or pranayama, is one of the five principles of yoga. The Yogis realized the importance of an adequate oxygen supply thousands of years ago, and that is why they developed and perfected various breathing techniques that will help to revitalize the mind and body. This controlled breathing delivers oxygen to our blood and our brains, giving us vital energy.
For me, the very best time to take a deep breath is right now. Anytime I think of it, I do it. It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s healthy! So do it with me. First, exhale completely, pushing every last drop of carbon dioxide from your lungs. Pause for a moment. Now breathe in slowly, filling your lungs with life’s free and guiltless treasure. Take the time to taste the sweetness of the air, imagine the oxygen saturating your blood stream enabling stronger muscles and a faster brain. Take it all in that one deep breath. Once your lungs are full, pause for a moment. Don’t think about where you’ve been or where you’re going, think about how good life is at this moment. Now relax and exhale.
Did you do it? Go ahead, I’ll wait. :)
What did you think? What did breathing do for you?
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