Hey guys.
I'm curious how many of you practice stretching and breathing exercises (or yoga-like activity) on a regular basis. This forum is about the mind/body connection, and I've discovered how important a regular practice is for me.
Through increasing my understanding of breath and breathing techniques, I have been able to stabilize myself in some rather challenging situations. Some of this stabilization came before I knew it was supposed to. It seemed to happen automatically when a challenge came. I reacted with a calm and centered focus. (Don't get me wrong, I can still be thrown for a loop now and again!) Like one who studies martial arts, we can train ourselves to react to challenges in ways that keep us balanced and will lead to the highest good.
The breath is the first line of connection between the mind and the body. When we take control of our breath with mindfulness, we can lead our bodies in whichever direction is most beneficial. There are breathing techniques to energize as well as calm, breaths that balance, and techniques that increase our physical and mental awareness.
A slow, deep and steady breath in and out though the nose helps restore a sense of stability and calm. This is an excellent way to counter the stress response. The body's wisdom already knows that a deep breath calms, and in stressful situations often tries to jump start this stress buster with an automatic (and often quite deep) sigh. Get the hint and take a few more deep and steady breaths when your body gives you this strong hint.
Okay, enough for now. Let me know if breath awareness has made a difference in your life.
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-Bryan
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