Breathe Deep and Breathe Often

In yogic philosophy, it is said that your life has a predetermined number of breaths, so breathe slow and breathe deep...

As  a yoga practitioner, I find breath to be fascinating. For those of you not familiar with yoga, we spend a fair amount of time doing what is called pranayama, which is a series of seated breathing exercises. I remember when I tried yoga for the first time, I found the practice to be strange, but had to admit I noticed the immediate calming affect.  I cannot help but to attribute a much stronger immune system and a higher tolerance for stress to the years I have invested in the practice.

Most of us spend our days breathing short, shallow breaths and sometimes we stop breathing altogether, thanks to stress and unconscious breathing. By simply bringing your awareness to breath, you can instantly de-stress the body, improve a negative mood and become less reactive to your environment. I know if I have trouble falling asleep at night because my mind won't shut off, I focus on deep, rhythmic breathing and before I know it, I quickly drift off into a peaceful slumber. Physiologically there are so many benefits to mindful breathing exercises because unlike regular cardiovascular activities, where the fresh intake of oxygen is immediately burned up by the muscles being used,  seated breathing gives oxygen the chance to properly rejuvenate the body.

From a larger perspective, I believe that breath is something we too often take for granted and for no good reason.  Our lives begin with one big inhale and ends with a final exhale; all of the breaths in between create our sweet, sacred life and declares "I am alive!" My entire life hinges on my final exhale. Every major life decision I make is an acknowledgment of that moment as I aim to ensure that when it happens I will have no regrets.

What about you? When is the last time you felt the significance of waking up in the morning and inhaling as you stretch your body out to prepare for the day ahead? Or maybe you hold your breath as you jump out of bed in a mad rush to get ready. Either way just remember, every day's waking breath is another opportunity to right some wrongs and enjoy life's surprises. As the saying goes, any day above ground is a good day... and you have your breath to thank for that.