It may be one or the other , but it could flip from one to the other depending on the day . We all have days like that .
Breath Masters around the world say , “ You live the way you breathe .”
Think about that .
Full , easy , gentle breaths with moments of stillness and moments of movement . Doesn ’ t that sound so delightful ?
The Breath Awakening Daily Practice can help you cultivate this state .
Every morning , practice these 4 Simple but Powerful Steps :
( if you have physical , mental or emotional health issues , please check with your medical professionals before engaging in this or any breathing practice )
Step 1 : Body-breath Awareness ( arrive ):
Find a comfortable quiet place to lie down . Notice the surface below you supporting your body . Take a gentle breath in through the nose and imagine melting into that surface as you exhale .
Place one hand on the upper chest and one on the lower abdomen . As you inhale , apply a bit of pressure with the hand on the abdomen , and imagine the breath filling the space beneath your hand . Feel the lower abdomen and low back gently expand . Take a few more breaths here .
“ Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness ...”
– THÍCH NHAT HẠNH
Now , invite the breath to flow from the abdomen / low back , up the spine . Imagine the lower rib cage and then the shoulder blades slightly expanding . As heart-center opens , luxuriate here for a moment .
The exhale flows out , gently with no effort .
Step 2 : Circular Breath ( awaken ):
In our natural breath , we pause between the inhale and the exhale , and then again between the exhale and the inhale . When you remove the pauses , you create a circular breath . Without the pauses , it ’ s a more rapid breath pattern that awakens and energizes the body .
Take a full breath in and as soon as you reach the top , let the exhale fall out . This longer inhale and slightly shorter exhale activates the sympathetic nervous system making us more alert and aware .
If this is uncomfortable or if you get lightheaded , it is time to move to step 3 .
Do this up to 3 minutes