This week is all about the breath!
Breathing seems so natural and ordinary; what could it possibly have to do with pain, stress, or emotional balance?
Breathing happens whether you think about it or not, so it doesn't receive the focus it deserves. Yet, breath is our life force; without it we can't exist. And while we all agree that breath is necessary for survival and vitality, very few of us understand its impact on our ability to thrive and meet life's challenges with grace.
Have you ever been engrossed in a suspenseful movie and suddenly felt yourself exhale, only to realize that you've been holding your breath?
Does that ever happen while you're driving, working at your desk, or deep in a good book?
Many people habitually hold their breath or breathe shallowly, even some advanced yoga students. In fact, it is quite possible to go through an entire yoga class - or most of your life - without taking in or letting out a full breath.
Breathing has direct
body-mind consequences:
Shallow, irregular breathing can increase heart rate, raise blood pressure, speed up the mind, and knock your nervous system out of balance. In contrast, regulated breathing can lower heart rate, decrease blood pressure, calm the mind, and bring the nervous system into balance.
In other words, not
breathing fully and deeply can not only increase pain perception, but also make you more anxious or depressed.
Yoga recognizes the power of breath, and uses various breathing techniques to regulate body and mind. We've explored many of them in class already.
