By definition: Breathing is the process that takes oxygen in and carbon dioxide in and then out of the body. Aerobic organisms require oxygen to release energy via respiration, in the form of the metabolism of energy-rich molecules such as glucose. The medical term for normal relaxed breathing is eupnea.
As creatures of the earth, we are dependent on oxygen for survival and the act of breathing which provides us with this precious gas. I participated in an transformational breath journey last week that consisted of conscious and unconscious breathing, and resulted in an ultimate emotional and physical release… 2 hours later my body was physically sore but in a state of euphoria .Eventually I regained my head and made it home to a night of rest… I began to wonder about what I had just experienced. How does breathing affect our body? Mind? Tissues? Soul? I have always been intrigued by breathwork and intended to study it deeper, even bought books about it, but never quite got to them. I learn by experience and I hadn’t ever experienced the intensity of the breath until now. I have practiced pranayama and have an appreciation for the breath. I feel , understand, and accept that the breath is the translator between body and mind. The breath serves as an important tool and predictor of health and wellness. A fast, shallow breath indicates a state of stress and anxiety which in turn triggers a whole slew of chemical responses eventually leading to chronic disease such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and more.
Breathing is a conscious and unconscious act. It is important to our survival because it balances the carbon dioxide in the blood and regulates the bloods pH of 7.4, the slightest deviation from this level can result in death!
My acupuncturist offered a 2 hour Breath Journey workshop, intrigued by the brief description and the experience I had with it in my acupuncture session, I decided to participate. Ironically, the moment I entered the room I felt a sense of suffocation. My anxiety was creeping up and I felt my chest constricting and my breathing turn shallow. My mind grew hazy, I tried to take deep breaths and stay calm. No wonder the workshop was titled a journey, it was going to be work. I softly closed my eyes and let go into the process. Slow, deep long breaths …. My mind wandered “what the hell am I doing here?” slow- deep – breaths… as I continued to breath my body became heavy and my focus deep. I always read, recite and preach about the inherent truth that resides within each of us and throughout my adventures I have experienced this truth here and there. My journey through breathing was yet another glimpse into this truth. Deeper… faster breaths… I was deep into the painful journey of exploring the junk that was trapped in my body … and with each breath the junk was shaken and brought to the surface. The breaths turned into tears which evolved into laughter, then calm… ahh… the bliss was a priceless moment which passed as quickly as it came and as it passed I felt something…. ATTACHMENT! Ah ha… there it is … that feeling of not wanting to let go… of being greedy and holding on to the bliss… It was extremely obvious and strong. Breathe faster… I resisted and then finally gave in… it was work… it was painful but I let go. And after the storm, once again there was a calm… it was more blissful than the previous moment… it was power… it was truth…it was laughter… it was me. My breath slowed down… 2 hours later the journey came to an end. My head was light because of all the breathing … my body was light because of the release. I slowly opened my eyes, gathered myself and walked away with a smile. I am free…
Breathe… Breathe… Breathe…
for more information on breath journey visit: www.soulapoweryoga.com
mettalove
