Find Your Middle Ground

Do you know how are you breathing right now?

Take a moment and simply notice your breath. Perhaps place your hand on your navel and the other above your heart.  Notice the movement as you inhale and exhale.

We breathe in … and we breathe out… And for the most part we take it completely for granted. Until something happens such as asthma, a cold, allergies or worse. When we notice it is difficult to breathe we appreciate it so much more.

How we breathe is not only a reflection of the health of our lungs, but also a reflection on how we live our life.

Did you know that our breath is connected to our emotional state?

When we feel:

Panic – It manifests as short, rapid, and shallow breaths. In a state of panic, our body instinctively tries to get more air in by speeding up our breathing. This frantic breathing reflects the body’s fight-or-flight response, signaling a need for immediate action or escape.

Anxious – At this point, our breaths become shallow as we seek more reassuring air. The anxious individual often experiences a tightening in the chest, making it difficult to take deep breaths. This shallow breathing pattern can lead to a cycle of anxiety and tighter breathing.

Tense – During moments of tension, we tend to hold onto the inhaled air, pausing at the top of the inhale before finally releasing it, often accompanied by a sigh. This hesitation in our breath can be a physical manifestation of internal stress, reflecting a reluctance to let go of the tension we are holding.

Anger – When anger arises, our breathing becomes characterized by long, forced inhales and exhales, much like a bellows fueling flames. This forceful breathing pattern can intensify our emotional response and propel us into a state of heightened aggression or frustration. As we inhale deeply and push out air, it mirrors the intensity of our feelings.

Calm – In contrast, when we experience a state of calm, our breaths become slow and steady, gradually becoming shallower as we relax. This peaceful state allows us to center ourselves, helping to balance both mind and body. The rhythm of your breathing can create a tranquil environment, signaling to your nervous system that it is safe to unwind.

Happy – Happiness is associated with long inhalations and long exhalations, contributing to a slower, more rhythmic pattern. When we feel content, our breath reflects that positivity, flowing freely and effortlessly. This deep, nourishing breath encourages an expansive feeling, enhancing the overall sense of well-being and contentment.

Did you also know that we can change our emotional state by changing our breath?

By bringing mindful awareness to our breathing patterns, we have the ability to shift from one emotional state to another. Engaging in conscious breathing techniques allows us to cultivate the emotional state that we seek, enabling us to navigate through life’s challenges with greater ease. Whether it’s through deep, calming breaths to alleviate anxiety or gentle, rhythmic breathing to enhance joy, the power of our breath is a potent tool for emotional regulation and overall mental health.

Practitioners of Meditation and Yoga have done this for millennia – using awareness of the breath to come into the present moment, and bring about a more relaxed and centered state of being.

Science shows that when we slow the breath it signals to the brain and the parasympathetic nervous system that everything is well. No need to be on guard … its okay to relax and restore our natural balance.

So if we want to alleviate stress and become calm, slowing the breath works!

Try counting between 4 to 6 in your mind for each inhale and exhale. It can really make a difference. Why not set aside a few minutes and try it for yourself. It may feel awkward and take some practice but your body, mind and emotions will thank you for it.

Bringing awareness to our breathing is such a valuable guide to how we live our lives in that moment. With awareness of this comes choice. Please click here to explore more about your breath.

If you want to live your life fully then practice breathing fully.

Namaste