We live in a frantic, fast-paced society where everything has to happen now. In a world full of stress and speed, we forget the most essential thing: breathing. It seems simple, but it is not.
What is breathing? And what is conscious breathing?
The term breathing describes the process by which living beings exchange gases with their surroundings: oxygen enters the body and carbon dioxide leaves it. As humans, we can control this process by becoming aware of it, with benefits for body and mind: this is conscious breathing.
We have seen that breathing consists of inhaling and exhaling, but with conscious breathing there is more to it. This means drawing attention away from distractions around us and focusing on each inhalation and exhalation. In a stressful moment, this can help us manage our nerves and look at the problem from a different perspective.
As well as calming the mind, it helps positive thoughts flow and encourages the body to regulate its rhythm, supporting emotional wellbeing.
Benefits of conscious breathing
We believe that conscious breathing benefits the body and mind together. This kind of breathing encourages oxygen circulation and supports physiological processes such as releasing tension. Slow, steady breathing exercises can lower the heart rate and encourage muscular relaxation (body). On the other hand, conscious breathing supports mental wellbeing. It helps us focus on the here and now, manage our thoughts and move away from a negative state towards a more positive one (mind).
How can we do this?
It is easy to explain how good, beneficial or necessary it is for our body and mind to develop and maintain conscious breathing , but how do we do it?
1. Create a suitable space, sit comfortably and notice your natural breathing and how you are feeling in the moment.
2. Focus on the breathing itself and, as you practise, reflect on how you feel emotionally and physically.
Paying attention to our inhalations and exhalations, and learning to manage them, can help us move from distress, anxiety, fear, insecurity and stress towards peace, tranquillity and calm.
Master your breathing, master your mind.
Organise your retreat and come to Can Toni d’Atzaró— we look forward to welcoming you.