One of the most striking things I have found in the past few years, is the importance of my breathe. Little did I realise until it was pointed out to me, that for most of my life I haven’t been breathing properly.
In moments of tension and anxiety, I would be holding my breathe unknowingly or taking short shallows breathes which ultimatley leads to increased feelings of discomfort and raised stress levels.
The breathe is an unbelievable thing. Its is amazing how concentrating on it can cut out the noise in our heads and provide increased clarity.
The best breathing technique I have come across is from Thich Nhat Hanh. I like it because, I can use it while I work and be in the company of others without rolling out the yoga mat, closing my eyes or playing some ‘enchanting’ music.
“Breathing in, I calm body and mind. Breathing out, I smile.” Try it. It works.
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