The power of the breath is often underrated which is bizarre considering it is the very thing that keeps us alive! We breathe all day, every day, it is an important part of our autonomic nervous system, although most time we dont even realise were doing it.
How often do you consciously breathe???
Conscious breathing is being present with and aware of your breath. By focussing on the process of each breath you are able to connect to your body and higher self instantly. With practice, you are able to manipulate the rhythm and cycles to create instant healing and relief.
Scientific research shows that conscious breathing activates the body's relaxation response, sending a signal to the brain to increase the parasympathetic (rest & digest) part of the nervous system while also reducing and regulating the production and release of stress hormones such as cortisol, by slowing sympatheic nervous system (fight-flight-or freeze response).
There are many types and styles of breathwork along with many different techniques, which all produce incredible results physically, mentally and spiritually. Breathwork has helped me immensely and is my go to when I'm needing a fast and effective grounding tool.
Currently, my go to is as follows:
Take a slow, deep breath in to the count of 4 (allowing your stomach to balloon as you breathe in).
Hold here for the count of 4.
Releasing to the cout of 4 (emptying the lungs by flattening the stomach against the spine).
This technique can be altered to suit eg change the count to 5 or 6 or 7!
This gives an immediate result, after just a couple of cycles of conscious breathing I am able to feel the release; feeling my body shifting from the sympathetic to the parasympathetic nervous system.
I use this in times of sudden stress or anxiety or to ground myself quickly if I'm feeling a bit flighty. Using this technique, I completely erradicated panic attacks. The key is to commence the conscious breathing as soon as you feel the onset of the panic/stress/anxiety symptoms.
So simple and incredibly effective!
Another reminder- everything you need is within you!!!
Divine Light & Love,
Amanda Harris
09/05/2020