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The Power of Our Breath
The Secret of Living a Fuller Life
Marnina Reid
Our breath is directly connected to our emotions. This is true
because when we feel happy and calm our breath is always more
relaxed,. We usually take much fuller inhales and exhales. When
we are stressed or tense the tendency is to hold our breath.
Just like when watching a disturbing movie. When we see something
really horrific we gasp in disbelief and the breath gets repressed
at the same time. In response to what emotion is coming up the
breath follows. For Example, if a person is experiencing panic
the breath results in being very shallow and short thus results
in a “panting.”
If our breath is short and shallow it signifies we are not “fully
breathing in life.” The consequences of quick shallow breathing
is oxygen starvation . This leads to reduced vitality, premature
ageing, poor immune system and a myriad of other factors. Oxygen
is very critical to our well-being, and any effort to increase
the supply of oxygen to our body will be extremely beneficial
with a priceless outcome. Breathing more fully can benefit everyone,
especially people who have sedentary jobs and spend most of the
day in offices. They may feel tired, anxious, irritable and are
not very productive.
Breath is also postural related. We assume certain postures that
do not support our body and restrict our breath and lung capacity.
For example slouching. Being hunched over limit’s the amount
of oxygen we are able to inhale.
We have adapted to breathing dysfunctional without even the awareness
that it is something vital to our health and well being. Major
reasons for this is our fast pace life style, we are always in
a hurry. Working with new innovative technology causes us to
be physically less active and therefore less connected to what’s
going on in our body.
To truly experience the fullness and greatness of who we are
we need to take deep satisfying breaths. We all want to experience
the richness life has to offer. It can easily start with noticing
our breath. Observe your own breath pattern. Do you find yourself
holding your breath often? Does your chest or stomach feel tight
when that happens? Are your inhales shallow or short?
How do you correct it? BREATHE MORE!! Put your focus on your
breath. Breath represents movement of energy. Engage in activities
that get your body moving. Walking, running, swimming, yoga,
tai chi, aerobics, sports, these are all things that support
your body. Systematic breathing on a daily basis can transform
lives. It is what the Yogis call “pranayama.” Yogis
realized the vital importance of an adequate oxygen supply thousands
of years ago.
Here is a technique to practice:
1.) sitting straight up with both feet on the floor
2.) imagine you are going to blow out a candle that is 6 ft.
in front of you
3.) keeping that image in mind, practice fast sharp exhales,
you should feel your abdomen expand and contract.
4.) work up to doing 3 sets of 50 repetitions
*You may feel light headed at first. This happens because your
organism is expanding the amount to oxygen being taken in. Do
what you need to take care of yourself. Start slow.
You Are What You Think
Our lives are meant to be experiences of joy and wonder. If
yours is anything less than that, than the reason can be identified,
resolved and healed. We have dreams because we are supposed to
manifest them, the only thing stopping us is ourselves. When
we remove the blockages of misguided beliefs, we will create
the life we want.
Ancient tradition, as well as some of the latest research, tells
us that in order to achieve a state of true balance or homeostasis,
the body/mind has to be addressed.
We have all heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” What
is more accurate is “You are what you THINK.” Research
shows that the body is extremely loyal to the mind, continually
acting as a mirror, creating what is presented to it.
Some examples: When the mind thinks of a beautiful relaxing paradise
scene, the breath immediately slows down and the body becomes
relaxed. If the mind thinks of a stressful situation that involves
anxiety and fear, the breath becomes short, the heart may start
to beat faster, the chest may tighten, and the whole body tenses.
The body virtually always acts according to the thought process
of the mind.
How we develop our thought process happens during childhood development. It
is a scientific fact that human beings are born with far less instinctive knowledge
than any other animal--the only species born not knowing who they are. Unlike
a horse or dog who instinctively learns how to walk and eat right away. The
human psyche is like a clean slate or a blank computer screen at birth. When
we are born only about 10% of our nervous system is developed. Our brain acts
like a sponge or imprinting device that absorbs everything around us, exactly
how it happens, forming what is known as our subconscious or core beliefs.
It is these beliefs that will direct the rest of our lives. We do not have
the capability to decipher or distinguish what will work or serve us. We have
no reference frame. Everything that is learned in childhood is learned although
it is true. We are not born with negative thinking. We learn negative thinking.
Whatever was demonstrated to us in childhood mainly by our primary teachers
(our parents) will be what we learned. Infants are extremely sensitive and
vulnerable. It only takes one time to imprint a belief. We may have learned
beliefs that were not even said out loud, but as children we can absorb the
energy behind what is going on or the feeling, and that is just as significant.
For example, if an infant is crying, it has the experience of suffering. If
mom does not know what is needed, the baby could be learning beliefs such as:
Life is painful, Life is hard, I’m not understood, I can’t get
my needs met, It’s not safe to trust people, etc.
This is how the subconscious is formed. Let me give you a startling statistic:
80% of all core emotional learning will be learned by age 3. The rest will
develop by age 7 when the intellect starts to kick in.
Most of us learned a significant amount of negative belief systems from childhood.
For most of us, our parents could not demonstrate what it meant to be happy.
It is not their fault. Most likely there parents couldn’t demonstrate
happiness and fulfillment either, and that is just what they learned. We cannot
blame our parents. These beliefs remain as our deepest experiences of life-
sabotaging our relationships, career, self image, and overall happiness. This
is why we fail at diets, break commitments to ourselves, stay stuck in negative
habits and addictions--are challenged to make the changes we truly want.
Now of course our beliefs seem to be true, because of the way we percieve the
world is biased based on our beliefs. We have had these beliefs so long, most
of us hold them as self evident truths and don’t even realize they are
just beliefs. Then sub-consciously we set up events to reconfirm and prove
those beliefs: the sub-conscious belief “I am not lovable” causes
someone to be clingy or withdrawn or in some manner unattractive so that others
are not drawn to them, and now they have their proof. “see..I’m
not lovable” That’s how it works. All negative patterns, traits,
circumstances, even physical health issues are created by beliefs.
If we really want to heal and change our lives, we need to identify and heal
our old belief systems.
20 Things You Can Do TODAY To Be Happier
1.) First and Foremost clean. Clean everything. Start in your
bedroom. Throw out any clothes that you do not want or need.
Especially anything that has not been worn in a year or more.
Letting go of the old invites the bringing of the new! Organize
your closet so that when you open the doors or walk into it projects
a feeling of joy. When cleaning your bedroom give yourself permission
to go all out and clean those hard to reach areas, such as windows,
window sills, overhead fans, shower doors, drains in sink (if
it applies) etc. Your bedroom is your sacred space. It is where
we go for rest and relaxation. It should look and feel nurturing.
The way it can most support you is if it feels wonderful to be
in. You can have fun with it! Look for creative ways to bring
out your most favorite colors. Take this same information and
apply it to the rest of your house. You have already decided
to clean, so you may as well go for the gold and not miss a spot.
Remember: Being in a cluttered space clutters the mind. It is
hard to be productive and positive in a cluttered space. It usually
just adds to more unneeded mental agitation and negativity.
2.) Catch up on laundry. Great to do while you are cleaning!
Make sure to set aside anything that needs to be dry cleaned
or hand washed, and make a point to follow through with that
if not today, as soon as possible.
Also fold and put away any clothes that are clean and sitting
out.
3.) Take care of any plants. Pull out any dying branches from
any household plants. Water them as needed. Give them special
food if they are looking worn. You want them to look very alive
and vibrant. Plants are very important to have in the house.
They improve our air quality and are beautiful to look at. Human
beings are naturally connected to nature, and we can enhance
our lives by having some in the house.
4.) Fill your house with healthy food. Get lots of your favorite
fresh fruits and veggies, nuts and seeds or whatever it is that
you feel good about eating and is good for your body. Preferably
organic.
5.) Sing to your favorite song in the shower. Close any windows
or doors in your bathroom and bring in your boom box with a song
that you love and makes you feel good. Put it on repeat while
you are in the shower and sing along as loudly as possible. Really
try to project your voice and get your energy moving. You will
feel refreshed!
6.) Take brisk walk or run. Get outside and breath in the fresh
air! Get your arms and legs going and your heart pumping. Exercise
is great for depression, and circulation in the body.
7.) Treat yourself to fresh flowers. Flowers that you think
are absolutely gorgeous! Bring them home, smell them, and let
them lift your spirits.
8.) Breathe more deeply and systematically. While you are creating
a happier life, remember to breath. Breathing will only enhance
your life. Focus on taking fuller inhales and fuller exhales.
As you inhale imagine you are breathing in more love and enjoyment
into your life.
9.) Light candles all around the house. Create a beautiful ambiance
for yourself. One that is comforting and joyful. Candles help
magnify a feeling of peace and calm. Get some great aromatherapy
candles to send your senses reeling!
10.) Put on soft relaxing music. Nice chill out music will only
add to your ambiance of a magnificently clean house and well
lit candles. Create the sanctuary of your dreams!
11.) Make yourself an exquisite dinner. Make the dish you love
the most! Or order in. Put some of your fresh flowers and candles
on the table. Chew your food slowly and cherish every bite for
a glorifying experience, and also good digestion.
12.) Indulge in a bubble bath. Run your bathwater full of bubbles.
You have done a lot of great work today. You deserve to let go
and relax. Make sure to get a bath back pillow for extra comfort
in the tub.
13.) Create a mini facial using supplies you already have. After
cleansing your skin, fill the sink with hot water that you can
steam your face with to open up your pores. Or soak a washcloth
in hot water and put in on your face. Put on a facial mask or
cut up cucumbers to calm the skin, or use avocado for moisturizing.
Lay back, enjoy, and relax.
14.) Look in the mirror and compliment yourself. Look yourself
straight in the eye and say, “I love and adore you,” or “I
really appreciate you.” If it doesn’t feel congruent…well
you know what you need to work on. Say those phrases with feeling
until you believe they are true.
15.) Give someone you love a compliment. Because of our fast
paced life style, matters of the heart can be easily forgotten.
Let the people you care about know that you love them. Let them
know how much you appreciate them. They will love it! And you
will feel good by giving.
16.) Write a letter to a loved one that you have unresolved
issues with. Use this opportunity to be honest with yourself.
This could be a letter that you just keep for yourself or maybe
you actually send it off. Letting go of resentment can work wonders.
You could also create a ritual by burning the letter after you
write it or throwing it into the ocean for closure.
17.) Bring the feeling of love and gratitude into all that you
do. Whether you are doing dishes, or brushing your teeth. It
is not what you do, but how you do it. If you emanate love and
gratitude that is what you will get back.
18.) Recite positive affirmations out loud to yourself. Say
things like, “my life flows,” I create what I want
easily and effortlessly,” Capture the feeling of what the
words are saying and bring the feeling into your life.
19.) Embody the law we all learned in kindergarten: If you take
it out put it back. When using things in your house, or in your
office always follow through with putting your belongings back
in their designated space. It will be rewarding and help you
stay focused.
20.) Visualize yourself accomplishing your most fulfilling dream.
Really walk yourself through what it would feel like if it came
true. Imagine the ultimate best for yourself. Do this until you
really have the feeling inside as if you are already living
