Spain Follow up: A Formula for Breathing
You can survive without food for three weeks. You can survive without water for three days. But you can only survive without air for four to six minutes.
Food, water, and air are essential to our survival, yet the most critical—air—is often the one we take for granted. Why is the thing we need the most the one thing we don't think about?
Breathing is an automatic, everyday action, something we do without a second thought. Yet, its importance cannot be overstated. The "aha" moments in Spain was just the beginning. Breathing is something I'm still continuously learning about and improving. Here are resources,
The Ongoing Journey: The Map
Learn
- Discovering Chest Breathing: In Spain, I learned I was breathing through my chest. This article explains why proper breathing is essential.
- Recommended Reading: The Happiness Advantage: - Principle #6 - The 20 Second Rule: Understanding the importance of breathing is one thing; implementing it is another.
- Recommended Reading: Breathe has been highly recommended to me for its insights on breathing
Awareness
- Check Your Breathing: Take a whole minute to close your eyes and listen to your breathe. Are you breathing through your belly or chest? Are your breaths deep or shallow? How are you feeling?
- Stress Awareness: During high-stress moments, notice your breath. I've found that during panic attacks, I hyperventilate, and my mind races. When I run, my breathe affects how well I run. Do yours feel this way?
Action
- Balance App: This app offers meditations and breathing exercises to guide you through different techniques.
- Yoga Practice: Consistent yoga practice has helped me understand the connection between mind and body. The key is the breath.
Take a moment to breathe deeply. Feel the air fill your lungs, and as you exhale, let go of everything that weighs you down. Embrace the simplicity and the power of the breath. It's the essence of life, the foundation of our being, and the key to unlocking our potential.
