Breath can be both a subconscious and conscious activity. When we are not thinking about our breathing it just happens subconsciously. One of the many things our powerful subconscious minds are controlling. However, if something goes wrong with our breathing or if we choose to focus on it it becomes a conscious activity. 

Breath reflects our emotional states which we may or may not be aware of. When we are worried we often hold our breath and when we relax or release stress we often let out a sigh or sometimes a yawn. In times of stress people tend to breathe more shallowly and times of relaxation more deeply.  Sometimes we only become aware of what we are feeling because our breath becomes noticeable. 

We can choose to focus on our breath – to consciously relax our mind and body which is beneficial for health and decision making. (It’s much easier to think clearly when our body is not tense and ready to fight or flight). It is common practise in many self development and healing fields to use breath as a portal / doorway / bridge to relax the body and induce an altered state of consciousness. This state can be utilised to create more communication with subconscious eg in meditation, dream states or hypnosis. This can be used for extracting or implanting subconscious knowledge. Having awareness of our conscious and subconscious minds and getting them to work in alignment can be used for healing and for becoming more focused on your goals – what you are creating in life. When our two hemispheres work together we have whole brain function. 

How is your breathing right now? There is so much happening in the world at the moment. So much unprecedented change and stress. The potential dangers to our environments and lifestyles can create a lot of stress in the body. One way to respond and not react to the current climate is through working with your breath. It is not the whole journey but a powerful step.

There are so many breathing exercises and techniques that are so powerful. I am looking forward to sharing an ancient Tibetan breathing practise in the Self Mastery Retreat coming up in August. I have been waiting to share this since 2011 and have never had the right moment. So excited. I will give more details about that in the next newsletter. 

In the meantime I would like to share three breathing techniques I highly recommend – 

Firstly, 3,3,6 breathing, this technique is used to stimulate the vagus nerve. You breathe in through the nose for the count of three, hold your breath for the count of three, and exhale out your mouth for the count of 6. It is important to breathe deeply all the way down to your abdomen. It is also helpful to focus on one spot while doing this exercise it enhances the relaxation. 

Secondly, box breathing, this technique has being famously used by Navy Seals in stressful situations to help regulate their nervous systems. You breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, breathe out for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts and repeat for 4 rounds.

Thirdly, shoulder breathe release, breath in pull your shoulders up to your ears and hold then let your shoulders and breath go at the same time with a big sigh. Do this three times or as many times as you want. 

Breath is a constant in our lives from our first breath to our last. I suggest working with the bridge of breath to consciously create with your subconscious utilising whole brain function to be more healthy and empowered in your day to day life.