Connecting Mind, Body & Spirit
By simply becoming aware of and changing our breathing pattern, we can regulate our body and mood, and coupled with mindfulness practice, we are empowered to go deeper. With a focus on the breath, we are able to bridge our mind, body and spirit, connecting the conscious and unconscious. Breathing can offer us physical and mental equilibrium as well as inner harmony.
Cycles of Breathing
Most people breathe 17,000 to 24,000 breaths per day, yet few of us are aware of even one of those breathing cycles. Every moment our breath can create balance within us and bring us back to the present. Everything in nature rises, falls and exists. In the same way, inhalation is a rising, exhalation a falling, and the pause in between is the existing. We can learn to use our breathing as a metaphor for life and the balance that exists in all of nature.
Quieting Our Thinking
A focus on breathing takes our attention away from our preoccupations. As philosopher William James said, “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” When we bring our full awareness to our breathing, we quiet our thinking about other concerns.
Practicing Mindfulness
Jerry Braza
