Without thought or effort, every minute of every hour, billions of human beings take in the next breath that sustains their life. Based on population and on the average number of breaths taken in per minute by an individual, there are over 162 billion inhalations and exhalations per minute on planet earth! Could you imagine what a visual it would be if we were to all breath in unison? What would be even more grandiose to witness is, if every single person were to take their every single breath in full awareness and appreciation. How would this consciousness of breath impact our lives?
The breath has been divinely referenced biblically as well as having been explored and studied by inspired individuals in various spiritual disciplines. Buddha spoke of the breath and said, “Observe your breath, natural breath – as it comes in – as it goes out.”
What a seemingly simple request by this transcendental figure yet if practiced, this discipline would bring forth a wealth of benefits far exceeding our expectations.
It was just the other day while participating in a belly dance class that 
I was once again reminded of the endless benefits of what the instructor called diaphragmatic breathing. This brilliant lady is Michelle Maniaci, yoga and physical therapist, and creator of Nurturing Moves. She explained to us that 99% of people, 99% of the time, engage in shallow breathing; this being a very limited expansion of the rib cage and mostly engaging the chest. The effects of this: not a full expulsion of carbon dioxide from the lungs, a limited intake of oxygen and the augmentation of stress and anxiety.
Conversely, diaphragmatic breathing, which is breathing from our bellies, encourages a healthy nervous system, thus relaxing us, cleansing our lungs of toxicity and oxygenizing the blood. Because of the lower abdominal movement in diaphragmatic breathing, internal organs are massaged and more circulation is brought to the area assisting in digestion and promoting fertility.
Conscious breathing induces a great sense of well being, peace and joy. I urge you to try it if only for five minutes. Place your hand on your belly, inhale slowly and as you do, allow for your stomach to distend. Proceed to exhaling slowly and continue this practice for five minutes. You will soon notice that all mental rhetoric and preoccupations have left you and that you have become present to your breath! You may start with just five or ten minutes per day or longer if time permits. You will see that the more you practice, the more time you seem to have. A little trick that I have to remind me to slow down and pause is that I post the word “breathe” on sticky pads and place them in a couple of places that I will surely see. I have made great strides in my breathing and directly associated, the quality of my life.
I believe that it is in the mindfulness of breath and conscious appreciation of it that we are able to promote our greatest health, manifest our highest ideals and as Oprah would say, “live our best lives!”
Contact Michelle Maniaci, PT, RYT For A Breath Evaluation, Individual, or Group Class at:
www.nurturingmoves.com
www.birthdanceyoga.blogspot.com
