The Win Report

When we were born, our whole body breathed. Every
cell was energized with the vitality of the breath. As adults we are
amazed (and exhausted) by the relentless nature of children’s energy.
We remember the exuberance of our early youth when we breathed with
relaxed, open bellies and had an almost limitless supply of energy.
Then we began to learn and develop poor breathing patterns. Breathing
is not an intellectual activity, yet to reclaim our youthful energy and
natural breathing requires your conscious awareness and participation.

Breathing is something that the body knows how to do for our basic
survival; it will flow in and out without any thought on your part. This
automatic breath allows you to survive, but when you unconsciously
hold or restrict your breath through habit, the breath that once ‘breathed
you’ becomes automatically restricted and distorted. This unconsciously
altered breath allows you to survive but not to thrive. As adults, we find
ourselves looking for ways to reawaken this experience of aliveness.
Caffeine, sugar, nicotine, alcohol, mega-vitamins, herbs, drama, sex and
obsessions all have the ability to momentarily ignite us yet leave us
depleted. Curiously, the answer to recovering this dynamic vitality lies
within us - in the unconditioned breath of our childhood.

Western medical and scientific studies are proving again and again
what the Eastern health traditions have known for centuries, that when
we breathe well we create the optimum conditions for health, vitality and
well-being. Breathing affects the respiratory, cardiovascular,
neurological, gastrointestinal, muscular, and psychic systems, as well as
having an effect on our sleep, memory, energy and concentration.
Correlations between breathing and the state of our body and mind
have been made for thousands of years in ancient Taoism, in Yogic
scriptures and in the medical practices of China, Tibet and India
(Ayurveda). Throughout time the process of breathing was always
considered inseparable from our health, consciousness and spirit.
Along with the Eastern traditions, this is found in the ancient Greek and
Latin texts as well. In Greek, psyche pneuma means breath/soul/air/
spirit, and in Latin, anima spiritus is breath/soul.

The breath is the most profound and readily accessible tool for purifying
and revitalizing the body. The basic nature of the breath reveals how
one relates to oneself as well as to the rest of the world. If the breath is
shallow, the body’s vital systems will be functioning at a minimum level.
If the breath is long and deep, however, the respiratory system can
function fully and properly, and oxygenation of the body’s cells will be
complete. Recovering the essential nature of the breath is a rich and
rewarding process for it is ourselves that we truly uncover. This
“essential” breath lies between the unconscious, involuntary breath and
the controlled and regulated breathing exercises found in healing
systems like yoga. It is conscious but natural, arising from the depths of
our being and dissolving effortlessly back into our core.

There is a close correlation between the physiology of the breath and
the psychology of behavior, and therefore our breathing has a large part
to play in determining how we feel emotionally on a daily basis. Deep
breathing increases both the amount of fully oxygenated red blood cells,
and the release of the waste product, carbon dioxide. If not eliminated
through proper respiration, carbon dioxide chemically changes into
carbonic acid. Accumulated carbonic acid must be filtered by the
kidneys, taxing the body’s vital energy (Prana in the yogic tradition,
Ching Chi in the Chinese, Ki in Japanese). We may not give notice to
the breath but find ourselves feeling chronically tired, irritated, hurried or
anxious, thereby shadowing all our daily activities.

With a little effort, you can begin to experience the essential breath. We
must first be able to focus on and perceive our own breathing process;
we must make the unconscious conscious. Your very first exercise is an
inquiry. In your eagerness to free the breath you may unwittingly
increase the tension in your breathing. Approach these meditations with
patience and curiosity.

Observing the Essential Breath - Sitting comfortably begin
to notice your breathing without trying to alter or change it in any way.
Let your breath do what it will. Slowly bring your attention to your
exhalation and let your awareness travel down the length of an
exhalation. Enjoy the sensation. Explore the pause at the end of the
exhalation without altering it. Simply relax and let it happen. Trust that
the next breath will arise without “grabbing” for it.

Long Deep Breathing - This is the most basic technique for
developing breath awareness, balancing the meridian pathways (from
Chinese healing traditions), the endocrine system and the emotions.
Inhale deeply into the abdomen, the diaphragm, and finally into the
chest. Hold the breath for a few seconds (without force or pressure) and
then exhale slowly. Consciously breathe smoothly, gradually, and
deeply, concentrating on making each breath full and complete.

Hara Breathing - The Hara is a vital energy center located
three fingers width below the navel, that is also known as the “Sea of
Energy”. This ancient technique is said to nourish the internal organs,
giving the body power and endurance, strengthening the general
condition of the body. Concentrate on this point while breathing deeply
into the lower abdomen. Let your belly come out as you inhale. Feel the
breath being expanded into the depths of the belly. Exhale, drawing the
belly in, picturing energy circulating throughout the body.

Your breath is a resource and a refuge that is always available to you.
Know that any time that you feel tired, confused, hurried or stressed that
you can return to the sanctuary inside the breath. Here you can rest and
replenish yourself by simply entering the pause at the end of your
exhalations. Nothing to do, nothing to fix, nothing to change; simply rest
in the nurture and care that is provided for you within the peace of your
essential breath.

Karen B. Cohen C.L.C. RYT500 is a wellness coach and master yoga
instructor, writer and speaker, residing in a college town in rural Virginia.
Karen leads people to their own limitless supply of creativity and vitality
so that they can express their talent and abilities fully in the world.
Karen is currently teaching yoga and Chi Gung moving meditation
privately and at Studio Eleven Art Gallery and School in Lexington
http://www.StudioElevenlexva.com. Karen is available nationally and
internationally for seminars, workshops as well as individual coaching
and training. For more information go to
http://KarenCohenYoga.blogspot.com and
http://RockbridgeCoaching.blogspot.com.