Reflection Seven: BREATHWORK

The breath is arguably our most powerful tool and is essentially the foundation of every mindful practice. This is because BREATHWORK allows the nervous system to turn off it’s fight or flight responses and to engage in a state of rest and digest- only then are you able to truly meditate or partake in mindful practices.

 Luckily, It is something that we always have on us and have access to at any time! 

The Benefits of Breathing conciously and intentionally include:

-Lowers heart rate

-Regulates Blood Pressure

-Decreases the stress hormone cortisol

-Improves focus and concentration

-Keeps you in a grounded state

-Allows you to form a deeper connection with your body

-Improves sleep quality

4-7-8 BREATHING TECHNIQUE

To fully oxygenate our nervous systems and our brain we need to pull breath into our abdomens. The 4-7-8 breathing technique is based from an ancient yogic technique called pranayama, which fundamentally helps us to gain control over our breathing. Follow these simple steps to try it for yourself:

STEP ONE: Sit/Lie down- make sure you are comfortable but your back is straight. Place your hands to the sides of your ribs.

STEP TWO: Breathe in deeply through your nostrils for 4 seconds. Feel your ribs expand. Be sure to breathe into your stomach and not your chest.

STEP THREE: Hold your Breath for 7 seconds.

STEP FOUR: Exhale forceful through your mouth for 8 seconds. Release all the carbon dioxide from your system.

TAKE-HOME MESSAGE:

Always remember the power of breath. It is what keeps you alive and is truly healing. Today's take-home message is a quote from thought leader, Max Strom- 

"Some doors only open from the inside, breath is a way of accessing that door"