“Breathe”: A simple word, a simple mantra. A not so simple practice.

Breathing seems so simple but even as someone who meditates every morning, I am still mastering how to do it consciously. I tend to hold my breath for long periods of time throughout the day without even recognizing it. We, humans, live sooooo fast. In technology we design innovative new ways to get things done faster than normal; we speed to get where we want—everything, everything seems to be done with such urgency. Living like this, it’s no wonder it’s so hard to be in tune and aware of our body’s needs to release tension and focus our minds on the moment or positive thoughts.
This is why things like yoga and meditation are so beneficial because they involve moments of deep breathing along with mind/body work which in turn helps us to relax, be present at that moment and breathe circulation into our bodies. Having a good mantra to help you remember to breathe at certain times throughout your day when you’re not deep in meditation and yoga is also an amazing way to help remind yourself to be in the moment and allow oxygen to flow throughout your body. If you’re not aware of what a mantra is, tap the word ‘mantra’ to read a great article I found explaining the science and benefits behind it by the Yoga Journal.
Having a mantra or mantra(s) helps you to be mindfully aware of those moments you need to release the stress. Deep breathing is the practice you can do at any time to help facilitate it. Deep breathing has been clinically proven to aid in both physical and mental health. It is a simple grounding technique that releases toxins and the greatest part is… we each possess this tool to use already!

As you inhale think and imagine positive energy coming in and when you exhale do the same thing in regards to negative energy flowing out. The next time you feel your palms start to sweat, your nerves begin to stir or your thoughts begin to race — try it! It’s important to be kind to yourself if your mind starts to wander— just gently bring it back! It’s also perfectly OK if it doesn’t work out properly the first time or even the second time. The point is that you are trying and the more you try, the more intentional you become and the more effective it will be.