THE IMPORTANCE OF BREATH

Breathing is something that we all do, all of the time – yet we are often not aware of how it feels in the moment. By bringing our focus intentionally onto the breath we can ground ourselves in what is happening right now.

The practice of Mindfulness has attention to the breath at its core, as the living embodiment of the here and now. If we can reside in the present, away from the uncertainties and stresses of future worry, or the doubts of thinking and replaying past events (neither of which we are able to change anyway!) we can find peace and settle, both in our minds and bodies. 

We can be mindful by observing without reacting, experiencing each breath as it happens without feeling a need to change it.

By focusing on the breath you become aware of the mind’s tendency to jump from one thing to another. The simple action of paying attention to the breath, brings us back to the present moment and all the richness of experience that it contains.

The easiest time to do it is when we are meditating as we do nothing, just sitting in silence.

It is a way to develop mindfulness, the faculty of alert and sensitive awareness.  As well as this, the mindfulness of breathing is a good antidote to stress, restlessness and anxiety, and a good way to relax: concentration on the breath has a positive effect on your entire physical and mental state.

Breathing exercises reduce your fight or flights response by lowering stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This allows your rational brain to take charge, so you can respond thoughtfully, rather than react impulsively.

 

DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATHING

Diaphragmatic breathing involves relaxing the belly. People find it very relaxing. 

Diaphragmatic breathing is better described as abdominal breathing, is breathing that is done by contracting the diaphragm, a muscle located horizontally between the thoracic cavity and abdominal. 

Air enters the lungs, the chest does not rise and the belly expands during this type of breathing. As you become more aware of you breathing pattern by focusing on your belly, you may find yourself breathing in this way naturally because it is slower and deeper then chest breathing, which tends to be rapid and shallow. 

Abdominal Breathing happens or better we are more aware of it, when we are relaxed, meditating, mindful of it, or when we are sleeping.

When we are mindful of our breathing, it helps to calm and stabilise the body and mind. Tuning into it helps to centre and ground ourselves. And allows us to be more aware of our thoughts and feelings with a greater degree of calmness and with a more discerning eye.

As your awareness grows you will be able to experience a sense of choice by naturally connecting with your breath in stressful situations, respond more appropriately whenever you get caught up in over relatedness and overwhelming feelings, with a sense of equanimity and restore inner balance and connectedness.

The benefits of breathing exercises

  • Relieves anxiety, stress and tension in the body

  • Can help reduce severity of or stop panic attacks

  • Can help to steady a racing heartbeat

  • Lowers the release of our stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol

  • Can oxygenate our blood, supporting brain function

  • Helps to reengage our rational brain (prefrontal cortex) which we need to empathise, listen and ask questions

  • Can reduce focus on our internal monologue, which can be a source of distress

  • Can reduce and manage pain