Have you have ever said: ‘I have tried meditation, but I can’t seem to stick to it’. Then breath work may be for you.
Breathwork is an excellent way to experience the wonders of meditation
Hello friends,
Do you have a meditation practice? We know it’s good for us, but only if we actually do it, right!? That’s the hard part. There’s only so much we learn from reading about meditation but the good part comes from actually doing it. We learn from doing. Like most things life!
‘Why would it be any different with breathwork?’ you ask. In many ways it isn’t really. You still need to it, not just passively learn or read about it. However there are some reasons why many people find breathwork an easy way to experience what meditation can offer us.
It seems to be more tangible. By this I mean that there is something for the mind to ‘hold on to’. It’s harder to get caught up in thoughts while focussing softly on the particular breathing pattern.
This soft focus on the breath also less daunting for beginners than facing what’s going on in the mind.
It’s the most efficient way to take effect on the nervous system. Slow breathing gives the body a signal that all is safe and calm. There are many other ways to shift to ‘rest and digest’ but slowing the breath is one of the easiest ways.
The practices are potent but short. This encourages high compliance. You may feel positive mind-body results in ten minutes or less.
Move the body to free the breath. Move the breath to free the mind.
In yoga we often say that the breath is the bridge between body and mind, so it makes sense to move the body through asana to create space for the breath, then we move the breath through pranayama and then we are on the way to experience stillness.
On a personal note, when I first tried a breathwork practice called the two-part breath, it was one of the most powerful meditative experiences I’ve had. It was beyond the quiet, calm of meditation or the invigorated feeling through pranayama I usually experience (and which are certainly worth the daily practice). Rather, this practice is active and intense. I could feel various emotions very strongly moving through, which left as quickly as they arrived. Afterwards I felt light and clear. If you’re curious to try this practice please reply as I’d love to share.
For now, do this. Close your eyes (*read first to learn the exercise!*) and become aware of your breath. Watch it as your body breathes itself. Notice how present you are. Next, inhale for a count of four, then hold for four, exhale for four and hold for a count of four. Repeat this several times then release control of the breath and return to watching your body breathe itself.
Did you do it?! I hope so.
Notice if you feel calm. You’re likely in the ‘rest and digest’ state, the parasympathetic nervous system. Your body will be digesting more effectively, you will possibly feel more empathy to yourself and others, you will feel less reactive and you’ll be able to tap into your creativity.
Imagine if you did this regularly!
I’m currently tweaking my online course, Simple Pranayama. If you’re interested to find out more please reach out.
Enjoy your week,
Sarah
I share breathwork as part of my online membership. You can try it free for 14 days. You’ll have access to the library of online classes ranging from 15 minutes to and hour.