Breathing – The Connection between External and Internal Worlds

Breathing occurs as part of the autonomic nervous system (think automatic – things that occur out of our direct control. ie blood pressure, temperature, heart rate). It is not something we need to think about, it happens automatically. Our breathing also resembles what is happening in this internal system. in a high energy or stressful situation, our breathing reflects this – it will be fast, shallow, into the upper chest and using the mouth. On the other hand, if we are calm and in a relaxed situation, our breathing will resemble that. It will be slow, calm, barely noticeable and (hopefully) through the nose.

This connection between our breath and the nervous system allows us to tap into and change our breathing purposefully, to have a profound impact on regulating our internal systems. All of this is based in science and reflects how breathing is intricately linked to our biochemistry and neurobiology (brain and nervous system).

The first step to changing / influencing anything is awareness. So, to start tapping into our breathing and this connection, we need to first bring awareness to the breath – make sure we are using the correct breathing structures, in the correct way, and really focusing in on the feeling of the breath and how and where it is travelling through the respiratory system and our bodies. Once we have become aware of our breathing, we can do exercises such as Cadence Breathing. This is a powerful technique that taps into our parasympathetic nervous system, which helps calm and relax us, and promotes healing and regeneration from within.

This is a profound practice, that when done regularly and guided by someone, can really be beneficial to our state of being and state of mind. It’s a great way to relax and unwind and experience the magic of our breath!

If you would like to learn more or be guided in this type of breathwork and journey of healing from within, get in touch today!