Towards a Better World

Towards a Better World #43

Sunday 13 February 2022

New post

Breathing to calm down

There are times when it is hard not to let ourselves be absorbed by events that upset our daily lives. Our emotions quickly reach saturation point. While we must accept our emotions, we must strive, for our own sake and for those around us, to move beyond destabilising tensions.
The simplest way is to reconnect with the life force by focusing on the breath that carries it: “It is enough to apply oneself to breathing slowly, gradually and deeply to regain one’s calm and serenity.” Deep breathing has already been suggested [1], along with suggestions for developing self-confidence and mastering one’s imagination. [2]
You don’t have time? Your mind is elsewhere? Among the techniques mentioned in Naturopathie et Yoga, the easiest one can help you instantly get back in touch with the reassuring regularity and continuity of your breath.

Calm breathing (p. 62)

– Sitting comfortably or lying on your back, relax.

– Breathe out gradually and completely, then let the air come in by itself, without effort.

– Be aware of the act of breathing. Feel the movement of the abdomen, the diaphragm, the ribs, the chest.

– Repeat the experience several times until you feel real relaxation.

Begin with a small number of repetitions and increase it gradually. Also increase how often you do the exercise.

Effects: promotes relaxation. Recharges with energy. Increases the mind’s power of concentration.

Breathing consciously in this way as often as possible soothes body and mind, and helps us to step back from stress and so to cope better with the unexpected.
[1] See post no. 1, “Taking care of oneself”.
[2] See post no. 2, “Cultivating calm”.

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