The Breath of Life
Why - and how - breathing matters
Have you ever considered ‘how’ you breathe?
Now is an opportunity, as I am continuing with the plan to post ‘Pages” from my upcoming book. Of all the ‘Pages’ I will post, this is undoubtedly one of the more straight-forward.
That is not meant to suggest there are no esoteric elements, of course; it just means that the basics are pretty much ‘there,’ up front.
Due to that, any preliminary ‘fleshing out’ on my part would be superfluous; as such, I am just going to present it as is, and let you determine for yourself what it means to you. Reminder: Being that it is one of the ‘Pages,’ for me this is personal canon.
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PAGE OF BREATH
You are only able to exist within this realm by virtue of your physical vessel, your body; with gratitude to (Providence) cherish it, for it is the only vessel you shall receive for this portion of the journey. Use that body freely yet with deliberation, ever appreciating the fragility of life.
As such tend to your vessel wisely: Maintain a whole and natural diet, attend to prudent hygiene, exercise regularly without obsession, and employ the surest medicinal practices available from both nature and science. Care for your vessel to the best of your means, that you may finely tune its ability to seamlessly perform all of its functions.
Within said-functions there are a vast number which are performed without thought, automatically; of those, there is but one over which you have a measure of control. Yes, it will fulfill its purpose without conscious thought, but it too can be harnessed to serve both your health and evolution. It is the bridge between the ethereal and temporal, tangible yet intangible, a physical act with spiritual results; that function - that act - is breathing.
This is amongst the most powerful secrets we can uncover. By learning how to breathe we can promote a multitude of changes in our lives. It is critical to sustaining healthy thoughts and emotions and body, allowing our evolution to progress beyond. The lesson is simple, the process involved, the results empowering: Breathe slower and deeper.
Rather than the short, quick breaths through the mouth you have taken previously, teach your mind to take slow, deep breaths as a matter of natural course. Inhale through the nose and exhale via the mouth, each breath silently sonorous. It will take effort and patience and time to teach yourself to be ever aware of your breathing patterns, but it CAN be done - and the benefits will be immeasurable. These will include a sharpening of thoughts and centering of emotions, a strengthening of body and bolstering of Koa (soul); all aspects will be well affected.
Your vessel is designed by (Providence) to be self-sustaining; it WANTS to heal itself, and oft has the capability. As such give it the greatest chance to do so; by training your body - through the power of will - to breathe correctly, you will attune your vessel with your natural energy, empowering it to perform wonders you could not heretofore imagine.
After-Thoughts
And now, the usual reflections: As my commitment to brevity is ever-steadfast, this ‘Page’ is - with deliberation - written in a terse, near-baroque style. As mentioned above, this particular post is lean on metaphor, but it still serves as a foundational reminder for that which I can do to live the most healthy life possible.
‘Foundational’… that is a vital point, because - as we all know - once something is written down? It becomes more concrete, which provides it a sense of stability. That is one of the things I hope to accomplish with the ‘Pages,’ hence my desire to create a record of these precepts - as I understand them - followed by sharing them with you.
As for the book project? I will continue to drop more ‘pages’ over the weeks ahead, and still plan to release the entire collection in 2024. How I do that… well, that still remains to be seen.
For now, however, we shall return you to regularly-scheduled shenanigans.
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My Mama sent me to a classical ballet school when I was about 4 years old. One of the first things we were taught was breathing correctly, like you described. ‘In through the nose, out through the mouth.’
The ballet school’s leader, a formidable lady, would even give directions on the piano. We needed this way of breathing to muster the strength to perform difficult exercises. I’ve always kept this breathing style.
In daily life it means the fine hairs inside the nose will filter any ‘rubbish’ you’d otherwise inhale, while the nasal passage ensures that cool/cold air is warmed before reaching your lungs.
I had this realization, that as I’ve become dependent on glasses, I too often hold device or book a bit low, so as to see clearly. Two bothersome results occur: I get a sore neck, and my breathing is a tad restricted.
Thanks for getting me to reflect on my breathing!!