 |
Breathing in
the New Year
Patricia F. Glenn, Ed. S. |
The New Year
brings about the opportunity for new beginnings. People
focus on resolutions and making improvements. The #1
area where many people place their focus is on their
health. You may have heard, “I will lose 20 pounds in 5
days”, “I am going to run a marathon next month even
though I don’t run now”, or some other great feat with
the aim of quick results in a short period of time. By
March, 80% of people have abandoned their New Year’s
resolution because they set out on an unattainable path.
With that in mind, let’s consider a new approach to
bringing in the New Year and creating the change you
desire.
One of the
easiest ways to improve your physical, emotional, and
spiritual health is through breathing. Now you may think
“Duh” I breathe every day so what is the big deal. Well,
all breathing is not created equal. Often due to our
lifestyles and habits, we make poor use of our breathing
capacity. High stress, overbooked schedules, poor diet,
and pollution all negatively impact our breathing and
breathing habits.
Thankfully,
our bodies are designed to provide continuous breaths in
order to keep us alive but we can actively do more to
ensure we live well and not just live. As we move
through our daily lives, we frequently forget that we
are human beings, not human doings, or human achievings.
Though our body’s ability to breathe is on auto pilot,
when stressed, our exhale tends to be shallow.
Breathing is one way the body removes airborne
pollutants. When we hold our breath or the breathing
becomes constricted, toxins are not expelled from the
body. Proper breathing supports better lung function and
immunity support. Disease (dis-ease) cannot live in a
highly oxygenated body.
Conscious
connected breathing is a simplistic way to enhance the
overall well being of your body, mind, and spirit. This
breathing technique has been shown to lower blood
pressure, reduce stress, minimize anxiety, strengthen
the immune system, and increase your energy level.
Unlike the
traditional approaches to improving one’s health, no
special location, specific equipment, or money is
needed. You can breathe any where. Whether you have just
a few minutes or can devote an hour for rejuvenation,
conscious connected breathing is the perfect companion.
The more time spent on conscious breathing, the greater
the noticeable impact and benefit.
Select a time
and location where you may relax and have some
uninterrupted time to be present with yourself. This
could be in the morning before starting your day, while
sitting behind your desk, or in the evening prior to
falling asleep. Dress comfortably to avoid air
constriction. You may sit up or lie down with your eyes
open or closed.
Begin
breathing at your regular pace. Inhale and exhale
through your mouth. The pace of your breathing should be
consistent on both the inhale and exhale. Think of
creating an unbroken circle of air as you breathe. Try
to extend your exhale slightly to allow more carbon
dioxide to be released from your body. Develop a steady
pace that is comfortable for you. As you begin to
breathe, focus on allowing your thoughts to leave your
mind. Thoughts will naturally come but allow them to
float away. Continue to bring your attention back to
your breath as each new thought appears.
Once you
determine a breathing rhythm that feels comfortable, you
may gradually increase the pace of your breathing. The
increased airflow may cause a tingling sensation in your
body. This is the vibration of your cells becoming
highly oxygenated. Be careful not to speed up your
exhale beyond that of your inhale to avoid
hyperventilation.
Establish a
pace based on your present need. If you are preparing
for bed, then slow and steady will help quiet your mind
and allow for restful sleep. This is also effective for
combating stressful events to reduce anxiety and allow
you to refocus your thoughts. A faster pace is great to
recharge your energy at that mid-day slump or if you
have experienced an upset and want to move through the
pain or anger more quickly.
There is
never a wrong time to breathe, but as you begin to add
conscious connected breathing to your life, do it
gradually and sit with how you feel. Observe your mood,
attitude, appetite, and mental focus throughout the next
24 hour period. Try variations in speed to determine
which feel the best. After fast paced breathes, be easy
on yourself, give your body and mind time to adjust to
the increased oxygen.
May the New
Year bring you all that you desire and may your
resolutions begin with the breath of life to support
your overall well being.
© Copyright 2009
Patricia F. Glenn, Ed, S. All Rights Reserved.
Patricia F. Glenn, Ed, S., is the
President and Founder of Practice in Motion Training
Institute, Inc. in Atlanta, GA. Practice in Motion
empowers and equips families to better care for children
with special needs. Its staff is trained in many
therapeutic disciplines to serve children from preschool
through young adulthood. For more information on these
or other topics about family coaching and support, visit
www.practiceinmotion.com,
www.pimtraininginstitute.com, or email
practiceinmotion@gmail.com.
Patricia is also the author of
The New Revelations Companion Guidebook in
collaboration with Neale Donald Walsch. To find out more
about the book and hear an audio synopsis visit
http://www.schoolofthenewspirituality.com/NewRevelations.aspx
BACK
TO "FEATURES" PAGE
|
