🎋 Breathe 🫁
🎋 Breathe 🫁
a primal behaviour to master ...today, tomorrow, and the days to come
As we continue to become tightly integrated and dependant into/on all-things technology, let’s remind ourselves of one of our primal behaviour, Breathe, and how to master this primal behaviour on an ongoing basis.
They say, a fully oxygenated blood, makes our skin glow with vitality. In future royal families and some of us will have access to clothing, that feels smooth as organic cotton, functions like an exoskeleton, looks unique and custom tailored.
Birth
We enter this world, with our first breath.
Breathing is a primal behaviour of life that all living creatures on earth rely on to survive. It is an automatic process controlled by the respiratory system, but it can also be consciously controlled and modified through breathing techniques.
Humans and animals have evolved various types of breathing to meet their unique physiological needs. Today, we will explore the types of breathing that humans and animals use, and the benefits of practicing conscious breathing.
Humans have two types of breathing - diaphragmatic breathing and chest breathing.
Diaphragmatic breathing, also known as belly breathing, is a slow and deep breath that originates from the diaphragm muscle.
Diaphragmatic breathing is the most efficient way to breathe as it allows for the maximum exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs, and it promotes relaxation and reduces stress.
Chest breathing, on the other hand, is a shallow and rapid breath that originates from the chest muscles.
Chest breathing, on the other hand, can lead to hyperventilation and anxiety.
Animals, like humans, have different types of breathing that are specific to their physiology and environment.
Fish, for example, use gills to extract oxygen from water. Gills are thin, feathery structures that are packed with blood vessels, and they allow for the exchange of gases between the water and the fish's bloodstream.
Birds, on the other hand, have a unique respiratory system that allows for efficient breathing at high altitudes. Birds have a one-way respiratory system, which means that the air flows in one direction through their lungs, allowing for a constant supply of oxygen during flight.
Reptiles, such as snakes, have a different type of breathing called cloacal respiration. Cloacal respiration allows snakes to breathe through their skin when their mouth is full, allowing them to continue to hunt without suffocating.
The benefits of conscious breathing practices are numerous and have been studied extensively in both humans and animals. Conscious breathing can …
promote relaxation,
reduce stress, and
improve mental clarity.
It can also enhance social interaction and emotional regulation, leading to healthier relationships and increased well-being. In addition, conscious breathing has been shown to have positive effects on physical health, such as reducing inflammation, improving cardiovascular function, and boosting immune function.
One popular breathing technique that has gained widespread popularity is called Pranayama, which originated in India over 5,000 years ago. Pranayama involves a series of breathing exercises that are designed to regulate the flow of prana, or life force energy, throughout the body. The benefits of Pranayama include reducing anxiety, improving lung capacity, and enhancing overall well-being.
One other popular breathing technique is called the Wim Hof Method, named after the Dutch extreme athlete who developed the technique. The Wim Hof Method involves a combination of breathing exercises and cold exposure, and it has been shown to have numerous benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving immune function, and increasing energy levels.
To briefly summarise, breathing is a primal behaviour of life that is essential for survival. Humans and animals have evolved various types of breathing to meet their unique physiological needs. Conscious breathing practices, such as Pranayama and the Wim Hof Method, can have numerous benefits for our physical and mental health, social interaction, and overall longevity. By incorporating conscious breathing practices into our daily routine, we can improve our quality of life and enhance our overall well-being.
Amongst many, a tree of life, symbolises, strength and firmness. It is also used to highlight some of the qualities we embody — courage, being, and reliability.
Life
We navigate this world, with our continuous breath.
When we practice Pranayama or the Wim Hof Method of breathing, we may experience the transformative power of breathwork. When we are looking to deepen our understanding of the mind-body connection and cultivate greater self-awareness, Vipassana meditation may be the next step on our journey.
Vipassana, which means insight or clear seeing in Pali, is a meditation technique that has been practiced for over 2,500 years in the Buddhist tradition. It involves developing mindfulness and concentration through a systematic investigation of the body, sensations, thoughts, and emotions.
While Pranayama and the Wim Hof Method can help to regulate the breath, Vipassana takes breath awareness to a deeper level by using it as a tool to observe the impermanent and unsatisfactory nature of all phenomena. By bringing awareness to the breath and the bodily sensations it produces, we can develop a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection and cultivate greater insight into the nature of reality.
In Vipassana, the breath is used as an anchor to bring the mind back to the present moment and develop non-judgmental awareness of bodily sensations, thoughts, and emotions. By cultivating this awareness, we can begin to break free from the patterns of reactivity and habitual thinking that can cause suffering and cultivate greater inner peace and well-being.
When interested in exploring Vipassana meditation, there are many resources available to help one get started. One may want to consider attending a Vipassana retreat, where one can receive guidance and support from experienced teachers and practitioners. Alternatively, one can begin with simple breath awareness practices and gradually work way up to more advanced techniques.
To briefly summarise, when we practice Pranayama or the Wim Hof Method and are looking to deepen our understanding of the mind-body connection, Vipassana meditation may be the next step on our journey. By using the breath as a tool to develop mindfulness and insight, we can cultivate greater self-awareness and experience the profound benefits of this ancient practice.
A shiny skull, inside out, can help balance the energy channels in a body, improve concentration, reduce stress and anxiety.
Continium
We leave this world, with our last breath.
Pranayama breathing and Vipassana meditation are two powerful techniques that can complement each other in the pursuit of inner peace and well-being. Pranayama, a yogic practice of controlling the breath, can be an effective tool to prepare the mind and body for Vipassana meditation.
By practicing Pranayama breathing techniques, we can regulate the flow of prana (life force) in the body, calm the nervous system, and enhance oxygenation of the blood. These benefits can help to create a more conducive environment for Vipassana meditation by reducing distractions, increasing focus, and promoting relaxation.
When beginning a Vipassana practice, it can be helpful to start with some basic Pranayama breathing techniques such as Ujjayi (oceanic breath), Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing), or Kapalabhati (skull shining breath). These techniques can help to balance the energy channels in the body, improve concentration, and reduce stress and anxiety.
By combining Pranayama breathing techniques with Vipassana meditation, we can experience a deeper level of awareness, insight, and relaxation. The breath can serve as a powerful anchor to bring the mind back to the present moment, and the focus on bodily sensations in Vipassana meditation can help to deepen our awareness of the breath and the subtle changes that occur with each inhalation and exhalation.
To briefly summarise, incorporating Pranayama breathing techniques into our Vipassana meditation practice can help us prepare our mind and body for the deeper states of awareness and insight that are the goals of Vipassana. By using the breath as a tool to increase focus, reduce distractions, and promote relaxation, we can experience the profound benefits of these two powerful techniques in our journey towards inner peace and well-being.
