Introduction to mindful breath work.
There are two basic ways we can learn to control our breath.
Volume and pace.
Volume of breath involves maximizing the amount of air we actually cycle in and out of our lungs.
Basically taking in our fullest,
Unforced breath.
Pace of breath involves learning to control how fast or slow we fill and empty our lungs.
With practice,
Consciously slowing down the inhale and exhale cycles can be a powerful calming tool.
By working on breath control,
You are gaining access to and control over the autonomic nervous systems parasympathetic side.
This is the slow down mechanism which is responsible for the rest,
Digest,
And heal functions of the body.
When beginning a breath practice,
Start by working on volume and once your breath volume reaches maximum fullness,
Without feeling forced,
Begin work on breath pace by slowing down the inhale and exhale cycles.
This level of control takes patience and concentration,
Both of which will help you focus and remain present in your practice.
As with any tool,
Conscious breath work must be trained and integrated to be useful under stress.
In other words,
Practice before you need it so it is available when you need it.
Take time to strengthen this foundational breath work and it will help guide you in the more advanced practices within this program and beyond.
We do suggest the use of a timer to help release timekeeping responsibilities from your conscious mind,
Allowing for a more relaxed and focused practice.
