Meditation and breathing go together like swimming and water. No water… No swimming; No breathing… No meditation, or life for that matter.
There are many breathing methods and
breathing relaxation techniques
available and they are all linked with basic meditative practices. Coincidence…? No. Breathing and meditation are inseparable because of the specific reason that breathing is deeply rhythmical.
Conscious Breathing Methods
All conscious breathing methods take you into a state of relaxation, focus or trance. It does not matter whether it is for a sports activity or whether it is to calm your nerves before a big presentation. One of the first things we all do instinctively, is focus on our breathing. Your body knows instinctively that breathing is the first thing to do to calm your nerves.
You have heard the phrase: “Just Breathe!”
The Rhythm of Life
Breath is life and is the rhythm of life. What is the easiest way to get a baby, whether human or mammalian, to fall asleep? You put it in a place where there is a rhythmic sound or motion.
My mother used to breed dogs. One of the first things you do when taking a pup away from her mother is to put a clock in her bed. This is because she is used to being so close to her mother that she can hear her heartbeat. So the clock’s rhythmic sound is a
placebo
for safety and comfort. The pup falls asleep easily to the rhythmic sounds of the clock and its own breath.
Rhythmic Deep Breathing and Relaxation
Breathing is a natural rhythm that is running under your conscious radar all the time. Like your heartbeat, your breathing is always there. However, due to
high stress levels
and all the rushing about of your day-to-day living that natural rhythm has become disrupted and dissonant. The simplest and easiest way to bring yourself back to a balanced emotional, mental and physical state is to practice
rhythmic deep breathing
for relaxation.
The idea is to bring your attention to your breath and consciously focus on bringing it under your conscious charge. It is a matter of seconds before your entire body is more relaxed and your mind becomes clear and focused. The rhythm of a few moments of conscious deep breathing drives away the tension in your body and your mind.
Meditation and Breathing - Taking Charge
This is why meditation and breathing are inseparable. One of the first things that anyone learns when they begin the process of meditation is to marry the meditative state with conscious willful breathing.
Taking charge of every breath you take is one of the first steps towards physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellness and rejuvenation.
