BREATHE IN LIFE FULLY

Breathing is something we unconsciously do every moment of every day. However, most of us do it incorrectly. Since our bodies were built to be on auto-pilot when it comes to taking in breath, how is it possible to do it incorrectly? Let me explain. Many have a tendency to take in breath to our ...Breathing is something we unconsciously do every moment of every day. However, most of us do it incorrectly. Since our bodies were built to be on auto-pilot when it comes to taking in breath, how is it possible to do it incorrectly? Let me explain. Many have a tendency to take in breath to our chest area and stop there. Our lungs are rather large organs and need to be filled up completely; taking in breath fully to our diaphragm/abdominal areas. When we take only partial breaths we are not only doing our bodies a disservice, but our souls.

If you look at a baby, watch how they breathe. All babies breathe properly. Watch how their little tummies rise and fall. Their stomachs become so full with air their bellies pop right up with each breath. They are breathing correctly. They are soaking in all the good stuff and deeply enriching every aspect of their Being.

Babies haven’t been inca
ated on this planet long enough to know that they should be stressed out. Indeed they should not be stressed out at all, but by the time we are two or three years old we learn by example from our parents that we must be stressed out and they cycle continues. They learn to breathe improperly too.

What are some of the consequences when we breathe improperly?

a) For starters, you don’t take in enough breath to give you the energy you need to maintain your day.
b) You may cause panic attacks; from mild ones that you may not recognize as panic attacks to full blown attacks that paralyze you.
c) You can cause your shoulders to raise and become tense; which in turn can make your neck, back and other areas of your body be filled with tense muscles causing physical pain.
d) Not enough oxygen flows, which means not enough blood is flowing throughout your body to keep organs working at their most proficient.
e) Your mind may no longer work to its full capacity.
f) You may feel so much stress from lack of breathing properly that you fill yourself with food or other substances that hurt your body even more.

...and these are just a few of the problems associated with improper breathing.

There are three types of breathing:

Chest breathing: This is when you take short breaths through your chest area only.

Abdominal breathing: This is when you breathe fully through your abdomen/diaphragm area.

Full yogic breathing: This is the ideal way to breathe. First, inhale. Take a deep breathe that reaches your abdominal area. Your stomach area will rise. Continue taking in the breath to expand the chest area as well. Fill out your lungs completely and then release the breath through your nose.

To practice full yogic breathing lie flat on the floor, your bed or couch. Be comfortable. Keep one hand on your abdominal area and one hand on your chest so you can feel the lungs filling up properly. Follow the instructions from full yogic breathing above. Do this for several breaths (perhaps 20) or longer if you wish. Practice this at least once a day, but I encourage you to try to do it at least three times a day. Remember, the goal is to breathe like this ALL the time.

Then, as you become more adept at this breathing process, take it into your daily life. While standing at a street light, in line at the grocery store or if you find yourself suddenly stressed out while in a traffic jam, notice how you are breathing and correct it if necessary. You will simply be amazed at the release your body feels when you switch gears and breathe properly; chakras will loosen up, muscles will loosen up and your mind will loosen up. It's a wonderful thing!

Practicing full yogic breathing helps reduce tension while driving. It helps pregnant mom’s bring enough air to their unbo
children. It helps relieve mental stress. It helps relieve muscular tension. It helps to brings spiritual clarity to you. There are so many reasons to breath properly and the good news is they are all positve.

So go forth and breathe deeply. Breathe slowly. Breathe fully. Soak in the energy of life you so richly deserve. You are worth it!

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Thank you for reading and Namaste! (The Light in me recognizes the Light in you!)