We take our breath for granted
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, amidst the cacophony of deadlines and distractions, there exists a silent art, one as ancient as humanity itself yet often overlooked in its simplicity: breathing. It’s an act so intrinsic to our existence that we seldom ponder its significance. But what if breathing is not merely an involuntary bodily function, but a profound art form, a gateway to presence and vitality?
I am a regular yoga practitioner and pranayama is one of the fundamental pillars of yogic practice. To enhance my yoga technique, I recently embarked on a transformative journey through a three-day introductory course offered by the Art of Living Foundation, an organization inspired by the vision and teachings of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. What unfolded for me was not just a series of breathing exercises, but a reawakening to the essence of life itself. It dawned upon me that breathing, far from being mundane, is an art waiting to be rediscovered.
Every breath is a gift
We breathe every moment of our lives, yet how many truly breathe effectively? How many of us are mindful of the rhythm of our breath, the subtle dance of inhalation and exhalation that sustains us? It’s a sobering realization that something so fundamental to our existence has often gone untaught and unexplored.
Breathing is not just about oxygenating our lungs; it’s about infusing our entire body with a profound sense of aliveness by allowing all our cells to receive optimum oxygenated blood. It’s about being fully present in the moment, letting go of the burdens of the past and the anxieties of the future. In essence, breathing is life, and life is breathing. Perhaps therein lies the very meaning of our existence – to embrace each breath as a gift, a pathway to joy and fulfillment.
Relearning how to breathe
At the program, I relearned how to breathe. I realized that all my life I have taken small shallow breaths. I learned the technique of ujjayi breath (which in Sanskrit means “victorious”). Unlike normal breathing, this technique utilizes our diaphragm and lungs to give us a deeper energizing breath, that helps improve mental focus and reduces stress.
Through meditation and mindfulness practices, I discovered the power of being fully immersed in the present moment. I also confronted the challenges inherent in quieting the restless chatter of the mind, the incessant stream of thoughts and emotions that threaten to pull us away from the here and now.
Breathing is an exercise for the mind and soul
Through this course, I realized that just as we engage in physical exercise to strengthen our bodies, we can also view breathing as an exercise for the mind and soul. Through conscious breathing, we can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, fostering a state of deep relaxation and restoring balance to mind and body.
The parasympathetic nervous system allows the body to rest and restore balance in breathing, digestion, blood circulation, sleep, focus, and immunity. In my yoga practice, I noticed that the breathing exercises had improved my sleep; this has positively impacted my daily focus and overall well-being.
It’s a discipline that demands practice and patience, but the rewards – increased energy, clarity of mind, control of our emotions, and a deep sense of inner peace – are immeasurable.
Our innate discomfort with stillness
Why don’t more of us practice meditation? The answer, perhaps, lies in our innate discomfort with stillness. In my journey through this introductory session, I found myself grappling with the perennial question of how to silence the constant chatter of my mind during meditation. I discovered that the presence of thoughts is not a hindrance but an integral part of the process. Thoughts, like waves upon the shore, will ebb and flow, but with practice, we can learn to observe them with detachment. Eventually, they become like scenes in a movie – part of our story, yet no longer holding sway over our present moment.
Through this practice of mindful awareness, I realized that the true artistry of breathing lies not in the absence of thoughts, but in our ability to navigate them with grace and acceptance. It’s about embracing the richness of our inner landscape – the joys, the sorrows, the triumphs, and the setbacks – and weaving them into the tapestry of our lives. With each breath, we have the power to shape our present and future, transforming our consciousness into a masterpiece of resilience and beauty.
“Every emotion is connected with the breath. If you can change the breath, change the rhythm, you can change the emotion.”
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar