The Breath: Why It’s Kind of a Big Deal

When venturing into the world of mindfulness and meditation, you are bound to hear about the breath. 

“The breath is your anchor”. “Just breathe”. “The truth lies between the inhale and exhale”

“Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

Alright, we get it! The breath is important. I mean it keeps us alive, duh. But the breath is so much more than that. In the world of mindfulness, the breath is everything.

If you want to practice a more consistent mindfulness practice, the breath will play a huge role, so let’s break down what the hype is all about. 

Anchoring Attention: 

Our minds love to wander, either into the past or the future, which can lead to stress and anxiety. However, no matter where our silly little mind wants to go, the breath serves as an anchor to the present moment. 

Portable

Unlike your fboy drama, the breath is a reliable, constant point of focus that is always there for you. The breath is always accessible and is with us wherever we go. 

Regulation of Emotions

Our breath is a hand-dandy tool to biohack our system into relaxing. By deliberately slowing down and deepening the breath, we can activate the body's relaxation response and calm our nervous system.

Body-Mind Connection

You have probably noticed before that your emotional state can heavily influence your breathing patterns. Think about your breathing during a hysterical crying sesh, or when you have overwhelming anxiety. The good news is, that altering the breath can also impact emotions. Mindful breathing can help us become more aware of these connections and develop greater emotional regulation.

Awareness of Impermanence

The breath is an ever-changing experience. Mindfully observing the breath can remind us of the impermanent nature of all things: thoughts, emotions, situations, and sensations. 

No matter where you are, what you are doing, or how you are feeling, the breath has got your back. It is the constant, reliable, and free tool to get you out of your head and into the body, into the present moment. 

Remember, mindfulness is a journey, not a destination. Here at Words for Monday, we hope to share the practice of mindfulness in a fun, digestible, and easy-to-apply way so you can start being present in your own life. Right. Now.

Be sure to check out our other blog posts and list of further resources to learn more!

See what happens when you start paying attention. 

WFM