Theoretical approaches to health and well-being are fine, but real results can only come thru a practical and pragmatic approach. And Conscious Breathing is just such an approach. Our overall health—physically, emotionally and psychologically—is directly linked to breathing. Our ability to prevent and control stress, and therefore to improve the quality of our lives is directly linked to breathing.
To calm a restless mind and to relax an agitated body, breathe in a deep, slow, soft way. By breathing in this way, you naturally quiet the mind and relax the body. When you breathe deeply, calmly, softly, and consciously, you also begin to control two key hormones involved in the stress response: adrenaline and cortisol.
Conscious Breathing is not complicated or difficult. Try it right now. Play with this simple breathing pattern: a 2 to 1 ratio. That means let the exhale be twice as long as the inhale.
If you breathe in for a count of 1, then breathe out for a count of 2.
If you breathe in for a count of 2, then breathe out for a count of 4.
If you breathe in for a count of 3, then breathe out for a count of 6.
Once you get into a gentle easy breathing rhythm, imagine viewing yourself from above or outside of your body. See yourself breathing fully and freely, and feeling rested, peaceful, clear, calm and energized. When we visualize internal harmony and balance, we enhance our intuitive spiritual abilities, and we also calm our logical analytical mind.
By turning to your breath in this way, you can shift from negative thoughts or uncomfortable feelings, and you can regain your comfort and composure in times of stress. Thru the practice of Conscious Breathing, we actually produce physical, anatomical, and structural changes in the in the brain and nervous system, resulting in permanent benefits.
By developing the ability to combine relaxation and breathing, by deliberately focusing on calmness and pleasure, we anchor a very resourceful state in our body-mind system. With regular practice, the breathing begins to automatically restore us to a state of peace and balance when we become agitated or stressed.
With just a little practice, you can renew and restore yourself at will. Some people require days or weeks to rejuvenate themselves. But with conscious breathing, you can renew and refresh yourself in just a few minutes. Think of it as learning “the art of minute vacations.”
If you desire optimum health, it’s not enough to just treat symptoms when they occur. You need to switch from being reactive to proactive. In addition to Breathwork, one way of being proactive is this:
Just before you fall off to sleep, take a few minutes to bring to mind at least three positive experiences you had: moments or events during the day that gave you a feeling of happiness. This will not only help you sleep like a baby, it will also set up a subconscious pattern, a habit, a tendency to feel good all the time!
Breathe out for a count of 4…
Breathe in for a count of 2…
Breathe out for a count of 4…
Breathe in for a count of 2…
As you are breathing, deliberately relax the muscles of your body and focus on images and feelings of pleasure…
Don’t underestimate the power of this simple practice. If you do it for a few minutes from time to time throughout the day, you will experience the undeniable benefits for yourself!
There are many different breathing exercises, meditations and techniques that you can use to create more wellness in body, mind, and spirit.
If you’d like to learn more, then I invite you to enroll in the Online Course in Breathwork: 21 Lessons in the Art and Science of Conscious Breathing.
Good luck in your practice!
Love and Blessings
Dan
For more information about Breathwork, please go to www.breathmastery.com.
Download your free copy of my book, "Shut Up And Breathe!" http://www.breathmastery.com/shutupandbreathe
PS: If you are ready to get onto the Path of Breath Mastery right now, you can enroll in the 60-Day Online Course: "21 Lessons in the Art and Science of Breathwork." Visit: http://breathmastery.com/onlinecourse
Or, join my Breath Mastery Inner Circle, and freely access almost 40 years of breath and breathing research, articles, essays, audio/video files, seminar transcripts, workshop handouts, and even complete training manuals!
Visit: http://www.breathmastery.com/breathmastery-inner-circle-membership
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