Conscious breathing

The magic of the breath is that we breathe unconsciously day and night, yet when we bring our awareness to it we can change it. We trust our bodies to breathe without needing a reminder yet as we become conscious of our breathing, the ego steps in. Can you watch the breath, without forcing or holding on to it?

The breath reflects an emotional response in the body (think of our breath when we are afraid or taking a deep breath when we are upset) so breathing is tied to emotionally letting go. To let go is to release ourselves from our expectation of what is happening and to be present with what is happening right now.

Focusing on our breathing helps us to stay present with ourselves. Just as the ocean comes in and out with each wave, so does our attention flow in and out with each breath. Just as the waves move away from the shore, we can shift from the outside to the inside. Trusting the breath to breathe the body.

This is a 5 minute breathing exercise to help you connect with your breath and use it to relax the body. I suggest trying it seated in a chair where you won’t be disturbed or you may prefer to do it laying down on your bed.