Are You Breathing?
I recently returned from an incredible retreat to Vail and I was advised that I was not breathing to my fullest potential. My week away included Kundulini yoga, breathwork sessions, meditation, journaling, hiking, and delicious vegan food. I learned how to breathe and how to move my breath from my toes all the way to the top of my head. My cells felt like they were truly awake, leaving my body and mind renewed and refreshed like never before.
We all know that oxygen is the cells most vital nutrient. Deep breathing of fresh air is an essential part of health and weight loss. Oxygenating your cells energizes your entire body. The more oxygen available to your cells, the more energetic and less hungry you will feel. Try this the next time you feel tired or hungry when you shouldn’t be. Go outside if possible and take a few minutes to practice deep belly breathing. Your appetite will likely be suppressed and your sluggishness will be diminished.
Most people are not aware that they are breathing the wrong way. Although it is simple to change your old ways, effective breathing is accomplished by using your diaphragm. When you're using your diaphragm you are doing belly breathing rather than just breathing from your chest. Correct breathing should also be through the nose rather than your mouth. The nose acts like a filter and breathing should be slow and deep.
I love living at the Northend. I enjoy living close to the shore where there is an abundance of negative electric charges. You might have noticed that you feel more refreshed near the ocean and this is because it has a higher concentration of negative ions to positive ones. Begin to practice taking in more air by inhaling for 5 seconds, holding for 5 seconds, exhaling for 5 seconds and then wait with no air for 5 more seconds. Move the breath with the least effort possible. Diaphragmatic breathing involves a gentle expansion at the midriff that can be very quieting, fulfilling, and calming.
Ideally you should sleep with your windows open even if only a crack to allow fresh air into your room where you spend most of your time. Try it and you’ll find you won’t want to sleep without it even in the dead of winter.
If you’re feeling stressed, tired, or hungry, take a short break and go outdoors for a few breathing exercises. This is one excellent weight-loss habit. I am now convinced that proper breathing is the foundation for healing work of all kinds.