Exploring the Power of the Breath in our Inaugural Newsletter.
Breath is the essence of our, and all mammals, existence, marking both the beginning and end of life. My personal journey with breathwork began years ago when I first started practicing meditation. Through mindful observation of my breath, I found solace and clarity amidst overwhelm. Whether it was calming my mind before sleep, easing anxiety in crowded spaces, or managing emotional upheavals, the power of the breath never ceased to amaze me.
Ancient wisdom recognized the innate ability of our bodies to heal and restore balance through breathwork – a concept that modern society often overlooks in our quest for external solutions.
Breathing is not just a mechanical process of inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide. It’s a dynamic chemical process by which cells convert oxygen and nutrients into energy.
In 2020 while listening to a podcast with Charlie Morley I was intrigued to learn about the evolution of breathing patterns over the centuries from slow abdominal breaths in the 1800s (6 breaths per minute) to the rapid chest breathing prevalent today. The shift has significant
implications for our stress levels and overall health. Charlie highlighted the importance of slow, deep breathing in triggering the parasympathetic nervous system – a state essential for healing and growth.
Moreover, scientific research has uncovered a fascinating link between breath frequency and longevity. Whales, the earth’s largest mammals, breathe once every two hours and live, depending on the species, on average 50-100 years while mice, the smallest mammals breathe 255 times per minute and live 12-18 months. This correlation underscores the profound impact of breath on our health and vitality.
Further exploration led me to a Soma breathing quest on Mindvalley, where Niraj Naik explained the role of oxygen in oxidative stress which speeds up aging. To counteract the effects of oxidative stress, it’s essential to modify our breathing patterns by decreasing the frequency and extending the intervals between breaths. As Niraj explains, our bodies achieve equilibrium when we develop
carbon dioxide tolerance, allowing us to prolong the time between each breath.
Soma breathing, an exercise & healing program, emphasizes the importance of nasal breathing to enhance energy levels during activities like sprinting or running. Incorporating breath-hold times into yoga and high impact exercises like push-ups and squats can effectively increase our energy, slow aging and increase longevity.
As Niraj points out in a meditation: “Life is a series of inhales and exhales and when you pause your breath you pause life.” As I conclude this newsletter, I encourage you to take a moment to pause and contemplate the significance of breathing. It’s both simple and intricate in nature.
Thank you for reading. With warmest wishes, Your WILDFIT coach.
