It is incredible to think that is it is the movement of air that gives us life. It is the first thing we do when we are born, and it is the last thing to occur when when we leave the Earthly plane. Most of us can be completely unaware of this process for the majority of our lives.
What we are discovering now though the scientific exploration of of breathwork is that there are significant healing and invigorating effects of breath. Not only can it be healing of the mind, body and spirit, but it is invigorating.
As leaves move in the wind, your mind moves with your breath. B.K.S. Iyengar
The book EXHALE by Richie Bostock (also known as the breath guy) is a wonderful manual on how to use various techniques of breathwork as a way of improving physical and mental wellbeing.
So what exactly is breathwork? Richie says:
Breathwork is when you intentionally become aware of your breath and use it to improve your physical and mental health and performance and emotional wellbeing.
In this book it is explained that breath can:
Give you more natural energy
Help you to think clearly
Turn off your busy mind to find calm
Access meditative flow states
Increase athletic endurance
Improve sleep
Make you feel happy
Box Breathing
In the video below I demonstrate my favourite breathwork method - a powerful technique used by elite U.S. SEALs before they go into combat, called BOX BREATHING. This technique has its origins in the breathwork called Pranayama. It has an ability to calm, bring energy, refine focus, relax the nervous system. You can achieve the calming effects of this breathing withing moments.
How to do Box Breathing
Do this for at least 3 minutes or until you feel calm
You can be seated, standing or lying
Close your eyes and inhale for a count of four (you can make it longer if you like as with the other counts of four)
Hold your breath for a count of four
Exhale for a count of four
Hold for a count of four
Repeat until calm (3 minutes or longer)
Use it when needed! Such as when you need to stave off anxiety and stress, but also don't wait for the stressful moment, use it regularly to feel balanced and in control. Through the use of breathwork techniques you can take control of your body and nervous system.
Link to purchase book 'Exhale' by Richie Bostock:
(affiliate link)
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