Deep Breathing: A Beautiful Thing

Deep Breathing is one of those things that makes you think of meditation, yoga, and, in my case, childbirth.  You really have to consider why we do it when 1.) we need to relax; 2.) we need to perform physically;  and 3.) we need to clear our minds.  Hmmm…maybe there is something to this ancient ritual that has been practiced by nearly every culture on the planet. 

Desperately Seeking Oxygen

It’s a no-brainer that we need oxygen to live.  The life-giving substance is all around us, in us, and is needed by every living thing.  Unfortunately, just because we breathe doesn’t mean we are actually getting enough to satisfy our bodies.  Recently, my friend at http://oxybliss.com informed me that through research, scientists have discovered that the earth’s current oxygen levels are much lower than they were in ancient times.  This reality is one that has affected our health at its very core.  When we are O2 deprived, our systems do not operate at a level that can sustain proper health.  Our organs suffer; our cognitive ability declines; our skin looks grayish and dull; our hair is lifeless; and our nails become brittle – all signs that your body is not getting what it needs. 

You know how good a long, intense yawn feels; well, that’s your body telling you to step it up in the deep breathing department.  The fact is, most of us don’t breathe properly or deep enough.  We get lazy and distracted; because we’ve slacked off for so long, we must take in extra oxygen when our body signals us of the deprivation – the yawn.  But, what would happen if we intentionally practice deep breathing at least once a day?

The Beautiful Possibilities

Before I teach you how to breathe deeply, I want to point out a few more benefits that you will likely glean.  Keep in mind, everyone is different; you may not achieve the same results as someone else.  OK, the thing that gets to us all these days is STRESS!  If you say that you don’t experience it, you are lying.  Stress makes you ugly!  Sorry, but it’s the truth.  It wrinkles your face, dries out your skin, makes you fat, causes hair loss, and premature graying.  It can even keep you from experiencing satisfying sex – no orgasm; no happy glow.  So, let’s put an end to this oxygen deprivation!

Voluntary Breathing

Do an experiment; try the following exercise with me.  Let’s see if deep breathing for 10 minutes just once a day  helps you in any way, health or beauty wise.  You just have to let us know your findings.  You can learn deep breathing in about a minute—it’s easier than most tasks we do in our day! Lie down in a quiet place. Take a slow breath in through your nose; your stomach should rise, showing that the breath is deep. When you let your breath out through your mouth, your stomach will flatten again. Normally, when we breathe involuntarily, our stomach doesn’t rise – a clue that we are not breathing deeply.  Make sure your shoulders and neck are relaxed.  Do this for at least 10 minutes.  If you become light-headed, slow your breathing down a bit.  The extra oxygen can give you a rush when you’re not used to it.  Before standing, sit for a minute to make sure you are not dizzy or off balance.  When you are ready, proceed with your day; hopefully, you’ll be refreshed and full of new energy!

Give this routine a try for a week and see how you feel.  As it becomes more of a habit, extend your sessions as time allows.  Also, purposely breathe deeper throughout the day.  Even a few deep breaths can lower your blood pressure, relax muscles, and give you a clear head for any tasks or problems you have to conquer.

Fringe Benefits

• A calmer disposition
• Fewer headaches
• Clearer thinking
• Heightened libido (try deep breathing as a couple)
• More energy
• Less need for stimulants like coffee, sugar, and alcohol
• Brighter complexion
• Faster cell rejuvenation
• Spiritual and emotional cleansing
• Physical cleansing of toxins

Photo by http://german-polina.deviantart.com/art/deep-breath-101667949