Mind-Breath Connection

In honor of the International Day of Yoga, we discuss a very famous concept in yoga: the mind-breath connection. In this very short discourse, I provide a very brief overview of the connection. This is for those looking for some high-level information and why is it so important for those on a path of self-exploration.

Transcript

In honor of the International Day of Yoga, Let's talk about the mind-breath connection and why is it so important to know about it. Think about your breath in this moment. Observe how it is flowing. Is it shallow? Is it quick? Often by just paying attention to the breath, We can slow it down and deepen it. In yoga, Amongst other philosophies, We talk about the connection between the breath and the mind. Through controlling or even just bringing more awareness to our breath, We can influence our mental and emotional states positively. You may or may not have noticed how your breath changes unconsciously in response to a stressor or stimulus. Shallow, Rapid breathing often accompanies stress or fear. Deep, Steady breathing often accompanies relaxation and calmness. When we pay attention to our breath and maybe even slow it down, We can help to regulate our emotions and bring greater steadiness to our mental space. When we feel steadiness of the emotions and thoughts, We can then be less reactive to changes in our outer world. Now we could stop there. There are already many benefits we can experience when we can effectively use this breath and mind connection. We can lessen the impact of chronic stress on the body. We can be less reactive in our challenging relationships. A slow, Deep breath activates our parasympathetic nervous system, Also known as our rest and digest function, As opposed to the sympathetic nervous system, That fight, Flight, Freeze reaction. This lowers our blood pressure and helps us to sleep more deeply. But if we go deeper, Paying careful attention to the breath, This can also be a form of mindfulness. Using the breath as an anchor to focus our mind helps us to be more present and intentional with our actions in every moment. The act of observing the breath without judgment is a practice of acceptance and contentment that can bring greater peace to our lives. But acceptance is not passively letting everything happen to you. Instead, It's a releasing of the burden of trying to control our world and the people in it. We will experience pain. That's a given. But how we suffer and dwell in that pain can vary from person to person. The observation of thoughts without engaging also helps with a quieting of the fluctuations of the mind and in entering a space of deep concentration. These fluctuations are caused by thoughts, Observations, Analysis, Judgments. The inner stillness gives greater clarity and peace. In yoga philosophy, The breath can also be considered a vehicle for prana. Prana being the life force behind the mind, Behind the body, Though prana is not just found in the breath and prana is not physically visible. Now those focused only on the physical body will say our bodies are animated through the chemical reactions and the biology of the body. But consciousness is not so easily explained. Through breath awareness and a quieting of the mind, We can become more aware of the prana behind the breath. It is so subtle that we usually, If not all the time, Don't notice it. Our attention is pulled by objects of the senses like sounds, Smells, Even thoughts. There's something very strong and gross about them. But with the greater awareness of the breath, With greater awareness of then the prana behind the breath and the strengthening of the mind through deep concentration, We can begin to direct the prana, This life force, For optimal well-being at all levels. Physical, Vital, Emotional, Mental. While the mind-breath connection, As we've just discussed, Is really the tip of the iceberg. Understanding and experiencing the impact is foundational for deeper exploration. But experimenting with even just observing the natural breath, Without judgment, Can help us experience greater balance and contentment in our lives.