First and Last Act
In addition to our mind, breath is arguably the most precious jewel in our bodies, and yet, it is the one we so easily and routinely ignore. It is both the first act we perform as we enter this world and the last act we complete as we finish our journey. Because breath simply happens in the background of our existence, we rarely pause to pay attention to it.
If we do take a moment to notice, we might observe how we are breathing. A shallow breath, driven primarily by our upper breathing passageways, often serves as a silent alarm, locking us into a constant fight-or-flight mode. Imagine the toll it takes on our mental and physical well-being when we function from that place hour after hour. In contrast, a deep, intentional breath invites profound calm, engaging the diaphragm and the belly. Another vital distinction to keep in mind is whether we are breathing through our nose or our mouth. The benefits of nasal breathing far outweigh those of mouth breathing, but we can only correct our habits if we first bring awareness to what we are doing.
My own journey toward understanding this vital rhythm of breathing began in the early 2000s while navigating a personal health challenge. It was during that period that I first encountered traditional Indian deep breathing techniques, opening a door to practices I would later explore in yoga classes. However, the true importance of breathwork hit me years later while preparing for the demanding physical test of the Everest Base Camp trek. Expanding my lung capacity through these exercises wasn't just a helpful fitness goal; it was essential.* I learned that by consciously engaging the breath, such as periodically pushing the air out from the belly, you discover that your entire core and abdomen are working in rhythm to support you.
Long before modern wellness trends, ancient traditions of pranayama recognized the profound connection between deep breathing and holistic health. Sage Patanjali codified and organized deep breathing into philosophy as a path to calm the restless mind, center our awareness, and elevate our overall vitality.
When I think of people, including my elderly father, who are suffering from chronic conditions such as COPD or emphysema, what would they do to be able to take one more deep breath without needing medications or external oxygen source?
Why not tune into our breath now while we can and reconnect with the quiet pulse of life itself? Take a moment today to pause, notice, and just breathe, and brethe deeply.
Can you imagine if we develop the practice of conscious breathing now, and we take our last breath intentionally because that is our habit, what an enlightening way of dying that would be?
*: I used this video to practice deep breathing while preparing for the Everest Base Camp trek: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH-0HZ0SQ_PGNQxU6o7qlBwObkG0Y9GnX;
I practice with it often now too.
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