Deepening Your Essence Through Your Breathing

We all have to breathe but there is so much more to it than we may have released. So much so that it can have a massive effect on our health and well-being.

Every physical and emotional state has a corresponding breathing pattern. If we change how we breathe, we change how we feel-on all levels!!!

Conscious breathing has both a long and short term impact on our mental,emotional and physical well being.  It builds the immune system, promotes restful sleep,reduces anxiety, taps into creativity and strengthens resilience.

Try it- take a full deep slow breath into your belly right now and slowly release and let go on the exhale.  Feel the difference.

“Every breath we take is a language. When we breathe in a conscious connected way it speaks the language of who we are.  We deepen into our essence”

Basic guidelines for Energy Management:

For Relaxation

When we are physically and emotionally overloaded with stress and tension, it usually means we are not emptying our lungs of carbon dioxide which creates a build up of tensions and toxins in the body.  We are literally holding our breath.  Sometimes we spontaneously sigh to feel a satisfying exhale.

When you notice you are stressed, tense and tight, give more space for your exhale.

Exercise to empty on the exhale

Put your hand on your chest.  Exhale with a feeling of a sigh of relief and add a tongue movement that sounds like la,la, la, la, la…… whisper it.  Let it fall with ease to the end of the breath feeling your upper ribs in your chest soften with the sigh.  Let the inhale then come in naturally when it comes, focusing on the abdomen.  Once in the abdomen, let it flow through the ribs and chest.   Repeat several times until you feel your body relaxing.  Then allow a few sighs with the tongue movement and feel the breath emptying out more completely without any force or pushing.  Feel and follow it all the way to the end.  Feel the space inside.

For Energizing

 When our energy is low, chances are, the inhale is shallow and small.  Our body naturally responds to this when we yawn.  A long deep inhale brings more oxygen that helps us have more energy and be more present and creative.

When you want or need more energy, breathe deeply, take your time and inhale.

Exercise to more fully receive the inhale

 Put your hands on your low abdomen.  Bring your attention to your inhale rising under your hands in your abdomen.  For the first few breaths, gently press your navel in towards your spine as exhale.  Then let your inhale flow in naturally and fully while keeping your belly soft.  When it starts expanding outward more easily, feel the movement opening in the rib cage as well.  Inhale as deep as it feels good and as if you have as much time as you want to luxuriate in the feeling of your body receiving and making space for your breath and life in this moment.

Let the exhale fall freely now.  Repeat in a connected flow until you feel energy in your body.  Do not strain any area and trust the repetitions.  Play with the pace and see what rhythm feels good to you.

It is amazing to know that we have the power to regulate our nervous system and change breathing patterns to access our vital energy and stay in a place of calm and balance even when we are challenged. It requires consistency and support to form new habits. We begin our life and end our life with our breath. Why not live your life to its fullest potential by integrating conscious breathing into your daily life. I offer private breath sessions at my home in Salir do Porto. (on the Silver Coast) email me if you have any questions nancy@nancymedwell.com.  I love nothing more than empowering people to heal through the power of their own breath.