The Power of Breathing

A lot of cultures see breath as a connection to the soul. Each one of us can be considered as a breathing expert or guru -- after all, we have been breathing since we were born. However, this is an incorrect assumption because most of us don't truly understand the power of breathing.

The importance of breathing is obvious as we depend on taking in oxygen for our lives. As humans, we have to eliminate the things our body is no longer using, and breathing takes care of 70% of this process. Other than eliminating the air from your lungs, after the oxygen has been absorbed, breathing also expels toxins from your body. You can also eliminate other things such as emotions or stress. By harnessing the immense power of breathing, you can create a better connection with your inner self.

By becoming more aware of your breathing you will be able to reduce a lot of outside negativity. Focus your attention on your breath and tell your mind to think only about it. The rhythmical sensation your breath produces will help your mind, and your body, relax and slow down. Thinking is responsible for most of the tensions and stress we face, and this little exercise takes thinking into a harmonious and peaceful location.

Many of our thoughts are negative. We often use or think about words like "won't," "can't," or "shouldn't." These negative connotations reflect on the way we feel, increasing nervousness and stress. Your brain processes millions of thoughts on a daily basis and focusing it on your breath gives it a break. Temporarily lowering your mind's activity gives you extra peace and helps relax both your brain and your body.

Try to appreciate your breathing education as you would practice a sport. In order to reach a goal, you will need to improve and enhance certain skills. You can't just be an Olympic athlete -- you have to become one through hard work. This can be done by building up your strengths and stamina, as well as improving your physical abilities.

Improving your breathing works exactly the same way. Right now you are at a low level, as you most likely don't do any additional exercises to improve your breathing. (Think of it like an RPG game: you must build up your "experience points" to reach the next level.)

Your subconscious mind usually takes care of the breathing process, leaving your conscious mind to deal with other things. However, this is the time to take breathing matters into your own hands, and consciously control your breath while you exercise this technique.

At first, try to analyze yourself each time you inhale and exhale. Do this until your mind gets used to the rhythmic tone of breaths and lets your brain preoccupy itself only with your breathing. It may be tough at first, as you will get distracted by sounds or movements around you. In time, however, you will manage to ignore outside interference and sustain a prolonged period of clear, utmost focus. Regularly practice with your breathing and you will soon begin to see some of the positive effects of better understanding and controlling one of the vital elements that keep us ticking.