Breath is Life
Author: Carole Cook
Breath is life, and to control your breath controls your mind. Once we let the breath drift and wander then the mind becomes out of control and distracted, but to be highly aware of your breathing brings a greater control and steadiness to the mind.
We all take our breath for granted yet where would we be without it?, it is the most important function of the body, and to actually take time to control and exercise the breath brings life and a heightened awareness. As we inhale, we absorb vital oxygen which feeds the brain and ensures fluid circulation.
Deeper breathing techniques take time and practice but the benefits are huge; it relaxes the mind, whereas shallow breathing aids in physical activities. It is also very important to breathe through the nose. Our nasal passage is there to filter the air and clear the sinuses, breathing through the mouth can in fact over time dry the throat and weaken the lungs.
When practicing deeper breathing techniques it is important that the body is warm as a cool head and warm body enables a restful controlled state of mind. You will never sleep with a hot head and cool feet! Hence the saying "hothead" which describes a stressed, uptight individual who is very much out of control and totally unaware of the power of the breath.
Today's society dictates a fast paced, race we all seem to be running, yet to achieve some balance and stillness to the mind simple breathing techniques and control can be easily incorporated into everyday life, and they are free!
To firstly start the process of deeper breathing we need to relax the physical state of the body which is why we sometimes practice this in a supine position first. We also learn to breathe from deeper in the abdomen rather than using quick breaths from the chest inhaling deeply and slowly and trying to exhale equally to attain equilibrium. Our inhalation should last the same time as our exhalation but inbetween cycles allow the breath to return to its natural rhythm. After this has been achieved you should progress to extending the length of time you exhale and the ideal ratio practiced is 1:2. The practice of this exercise not only strengthens the lungs but it also calms the brain and heightens the concentration levels of the mind, which in turn brings a greater control to a person.
When we use the expression "take a breath "it literally means take the time to breathe and calm oneself . When an artist or performer is about to go onto the stage, breathing techniques and control of the breath are used to bring a calmness and control to the mind to help with onstage nerves.
In yoga the practice of deeper breath control is known as Pranayama which states that the retention of air increases blood flow and energy to the body which in actual fact proves to be anti-ageing. So take time to breathe, control your breath and then you can control your mind.
About the Author
Carole Cook MBA is a registered nurse and her sister Julie is an expert in skincare. They run a successful online retail cosmeceutical store established in 2003. Find out more information or complete an online consultation for all your skincare needs.
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