Just Breathe

Obviously breathing is an important part of life... it is in fact keeping you alive ;) It is the most natural thing your body does, it does it with out you even having to remind it at all. However, there are those times when stress creeps in, our breath gets more and more shallow, the muscles in our neck, shoulders, diaphragm, and lower belly get tighter and tighter.  This creates a physical sense of panic and uneasiness in the body which just cycles back to taking shorter and shorter breaths.  Do you ever find yourself feeling like this? Panicy, uneasy, depressed for seemingly no reason at all?  

If or when you find yourself in a state of panic, of unease, of depression try taking some deep breaths and see what it does for you..... you'll realize it is the easiest way to relax and reduce stress.  No classes needed, no massage therapist appointment, no pill to pop.... just good old oxygen brought into the lungs and out.  

You can use breathing as an amazing tool to stay present, a great chance to let the mind grow silent and really start getting into your body becoming aware of the life force within you.

Here are some examples of ways to regulate breath, stimulate relaxation, clear out old unused oxygen in the bottom of your lungs, and achieve clarity in the mind....

The Cleansing Breath.... 

allow your torso to fill with air, place your hands on your belly and allow it to extend out while you take the air in through your nose, and then gently release your belly back in when the air falls out of a loosely held mouth. Connect your mind to the breath by staying in tune with the rise and fall of the breath, be aware of the cyclical feeling of the inhale and exhale.  Begin to feel the muscles of the front torso release and relax, try not to lift your shoulders as you inhale and keep your neck soft. For the first couple breaths try to regulate the breath so you take the same amount of time for the inhale and then the exhale. Then you can let that go, and just allow the breath in and out with no push or pull.

Try to accomplish 20 breaths in all.

The Pulsing Breath.....

swiftly breath in and out of your nose 30 times with as much pressure in and out as you can. You may become a little light headed but try to get through to 30, then once you finish just breathe normally and remain still and quiet.  Allow your body to relax and feel how present you are with the moment.  

The Laughing Breath....

take a nice big breath and just start to laugh. Even if there is nothing to laugh at, laugh as hard as you can.  You'll find once you start to really let yourself go, you'll begin to laugh without making yourself.  Make a big mouth, big smile, be loud, be free, make weird sounds.  You'll feel silly which will make you laugh even more.  You'll be surprised when you are done how much your mood has lightened.  Tricking the mind to physically think that you are in the best mood you've been in all day, will actually put you in the best mood!!! Trust me, try it!

Love Light and Joy!