One of my favorite mantras since returning from Bhutan is "breathing is awesome!" Some of you have heard me say it aloud, and it's certainly made appearances in this blog. No, it may not be a traditional mantra (along the lines of omni mani padme hom or "honor the jewel of the lotus"), but I think the reminder is just as important.
It's just this: the breath is always there. You don't have to pay for it, you hardly have to exert any additional energy to capture it, and it is instantly effective. I wish I could say the same things for my other favorite stress relievers...wine, chocolate, yoga. Not so much.
But the breath is your silent, ever present friend. It does not leave you in times of stress or sadness. But it is an underestimated, undervalued, often-ignored friend. Poor guy. When was the last time you took a deep breath? Do it right now. Doesn't that feel awesome? Now give yourself a high-five for appreciating your "friend."
Even with my new-found appreciation of my friend, Breath, I still find myself holding him back...when I'm watching an intense movie, concentrating at work, or even writing this blog. Breath in, and ohhh, I didn't even realize I wasn't breathing. The key is to breathe with intention. Allow your friend, Breath, to fill you up, re-energize your bloodstream, and calm your senses. He is your best friend when you let him do his thing.
It turns out even medical doctors and scientists agree with my mantra. Check out this NPR article on the medical benefits of breathing with intention. Breathing is awesome!
It's just this: the breath is always there. You don't have to pay for it, you hardly have to exert any additional energy to capture it, and it is instantly effective. I wish I could say the same things for my other favorite stress relievers...wine, chocolate, yoga. Not so much.
But the breath is your silent, ever present friend. It does not leave you in times of stress or sadness. But it is an underestimated, undervalued, often-ignored friend. Poor guy. When was the last time you took a deep breath? Do it right now. Doesn't that feel awesome? Now give yourself a high-five for appreciating your "friend."
Even with my new-found appreciation of my friend, Breath, I still find myself holding him back...when I'm watching an intense movie, concentrating at work, or even writing this blog. Breath in, and ohhh, I didn't even realize I wasn't breathing. The key is to breathe with intention. Allow your friend, Breath, to fill you up, re-energize your bloodstream, and calm your senses. He is your best friend when you let him do his thing.
It turns out even medical doctors and scientists agree with my mantra. Check out this NPR article on the medical benefits of breathing with intention. Breathing is awesome!
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