your breath leads the way
allow the rhythm of breath to ground you
Breath is the bridge that connects the mind and body, enhancing our sensations and heightening our awareness. In yoga, breath is referred to as prana, meaning life force, as it carries energy with each inhale and exhale. This concept is also akin to qi in qigong, or ki in japanese word genki.
We experience breath through our nostrils as it warms the back of our throat (such as ujjayi breath) and expands through our neck, chest, abdomen, and back. Breath brings oxygen to our blood vessels, improves circulation, deepens mental focus and releases what we don’t need. Breath can also uplift our mood and signal our brain when to "fight or flight," very often without our conscious awareness. When we pay attention to our breath, we allow it to guide us, especially through difficult times. The challenge arises when we breathe too automatically, leading to shallow breaths that disrupt our natural rhythm; like inhaling with a tucked-in belly instead of filling our body with air. Over time, this may cause tension, tightness, and even inflammation. Conscious breathing helps alleviate these issues, cooling and nourishing the body with the air we need, potentially offering anti-inflammatory benefits.
It takes some experimentation to observe and learn about our breath. Becoming aware of our breath and intentionally practising control is a key aspect of breathing exercise. Whether you call it mindful breathing, meditation, pranayama, or breath work, what matters most is that this exercise helps you engage in a simple yet beneficial practice. Practise it on your own, and you’ll eventually find a breathing exercise that works best for you.
Lie on your back with your arms relaxed at your sides and palms facing up.
As you relax, focus on breathing into your abdomen;
notice how it rises with each inhale and falls with each exhale.
If your breath feels short and shallow, try guiding it through your throat, chest, and belly, allowing each area to expand and release fully.
You can also place one hand on your stomach to feel the breath moving in and out.
Visualise the smooth, natural rhythm of a child's breath.
And with regular practice, this breathing exercise will become second nature,
no matter your posture or setting.
Therefore, just take a breath.
If you're unsure of what to do next, listen to your breath and let it guide you. You don’t always need to make decisions right away. When you feel overwhelmed, stuck in rumination, or overworked, surrender to your breath and its natural rhythm. With each inhale, fill yourself with goodness, and with each exhale, let go of everything weighing you down. The moment we focus fully on our breath, we'll find ourselves stepping out of the situation we once felt trapped in.
Each breath reminds us of our power to find calm amidst chaos by tuning into our natural rhythm. Let your breath lead the way, bringing you back to balance and clarity whenever you need it most.
breathing is simple yet profound; just breathe… ♡