Eish! Inspired by Sharon and Elizabeth. Two women, I had the honor of sharing a conversation with yesterday. We spoke about breath, this naturally occurring thing connects us all to each other and ourselves.
In the practice of Mind-Body Wellbeing, a trauma-informed approach to yoga, one of the principles is ” My breath is my most powerful tool”. It is often the first indicator that all is well or something is not right. Calm, excited, scared, happy, lovey-dovey, pleasure, pain, anger… your breath is right in tune.
As a person who has had chest/breathing issues in the form of bronchitis, I have a special connection to my breath. I know, experientially, that a simple unassisted breath can be miraculous. Finding my yoga practice and incorporating breathwork is for me one of the best gifts of this life. This is especially true with my mental health journey. At times when I am anxious, I purposely take a few intentional breaths because even when I feel the most powerless, I know that I have this one breath.
In short, breath is universal. And where we incorporate intention with the breath, then the power and potential of a simple breath become much more than a mere physiological function. The intentional observation or manipulation of breath is in and of itself a transcendent experience. If for nothing else to be capable of and complete a breath offers an appreciation for the present. I have come to learn that the more I can truly be present, the more I can live now without the past or future hangups and joys. This here is a story for another day.
It’s not a coincidence to me that most if not all cultures reference breath for life, connection, regulation, enlightenment, and all. Whether in isolation or as a base for singing, chanting, or movement. Common phrases we use have their base meaning in some sort of expression of the word breath. A quick google search will tell you…
Aloha – [Alo] meaning ‘presence’ and [Hā] meaning ‘breath.
Pranayama – In Sanskrit, “prana” means life energy and “yama” means control.
Pneuma – is connected etymologically with breathe or blow, and has a basic meaning of ‘air in motion, or ‘breath’ as something necessary to life.
Ruach (pronounced roo-akh) is the Hebrew word for spirit, breath, or wind.
Spirit – Latin “spiritus” (“breath”)
Ka- Kemetic – the breath of the ancestors.
Even many religious cultures begin with that all-important breath of life.
To make a long post short. Breath is one of those things we take for granted until it is no longer present to be taken for granted. Wherever you are reading this… Be in an alert and comfortable position. Take notice of your breath. As it enters and leaves your body. No need to purposely change it, simply observe your breath for the next minute or so. Feel free to do this anytime you need it.
As a bonus, here is a free guided breath meditation if you would like to use it.
See you when I see you.
Julie.
An Alleged Yogi.
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