Breath

By Hilde Pols

Breathing is so natural to us, yet we have to stop and focus to trace it. Each breath we take is unique and so versatile in its depth, length, rhythm and quality. It is a display of mastery in adjusting to what ever happens in and around the body. As a constant pathway for oxygen and release of wastes it is both nourishing and cleansing. A link between the internal and external with its constant flow of energy.

A Free Massage

Natural breathing moves the body. The movement of the abdomen is the most pronounced, as the diaphragm moves downwards to fill the lungs whilst the belly, sides and lower back expand. In Taoist meditation one focuses on refining ones breathing technique. It “will provide a wonderful massage for your internal organs” and it “increases the blood circulation in those deeper blood vessels that nourish the internal organs.” [Source: Frantzis, Relaxing into Your Being, p. 152]

The body wants to keep the organs well supplied and supple, and it achieves this through the simplicity of breath. The more we let go and relax, the better this mechanism works. However, “the movement associated with breath need not be confined to this small area of the body [abdomen]. Like ripples moving through a still pond into which a pebble has recently been dropped, the movement initiated by the involuntary action of the diaphragm can expand joint by joint through the entire body.” [Source: W. Johnson, The Posture of Meditation, p.57] However, if we are holding tension or are mis-aligned in our body, we block both that area, and those connecting to and through it. The rippling movement cannot travel further, denying bodyparts of taking part in this dance of suppleness and of health.

The health of the smallest bodily area reflects back on the overall body, and breath is but one way of many how energy spreads. Others include the nervous system communicating via the spine on many levels, the web of blood vessels transporting nourishment and waste or meridians energetically balancing our well being. The breath thus not only transports energy, but also enables us to relax and encourage our other ‘transportation networks’ to function to their full capacity.

The Breath of Communication

We use our breath to communicate. It is a vehicle of sound and thus of speech, enabling us to vocalize our thoughts, ideas and feelings. The timbre of our voice also communicates many unspoken things to the listener. Yet once again the flow of breath also holds information to the observer. The speaker might be breathless or take their time to fill their lungs properly; he might speak in a whisper or project easily; she might sound very heady and shrill or warm and resonant. All these characteristics of the voice can reflect the health or alignment of the body, as described above. However, it can also reflect on the mind and spirit of the person, on emotions or experience.

However, we also communicate with ourselves, if we are but willing to listen. If we restrict our breathing we communicate restriction to ourselves. If we block resonation in the body, we deprive ourselves of hearing, sensing and embracing our own message in its entirety. If we reject the sound of our voice, we reject the worthiness of what we have to say. To the outside world this can be interpreted as uncertainty or nerves, but is this merely a nervousness to speak in front of others, or are we communicating much more?

Anyone who has spoken in front of an audience will know that the breath plays a key roll. Nervousness and shyness directly influence the quality of the voice. In hearing and feeling the resulting sound we can lose ourselves in a spiral of tense breathing, repressed timbre and difficulty in concentrating in varying combinations. Like a player of a wind instrument, actor or singer the full use of in- and out-breath becomes paramount to not only a good performance, but concentration and relaxation.

The Breath of Life

Many thousands of years ago hunter-gathers had the instinct to hold their breath when in a tense situation. The reflex served to not give away their position to predators through sound or movement, two things the breath is so good at. And this reflex is still apparent today. When hurt we tend to hold our breath, tensing up around the pain. Yet there are no predators around. Instead, we are the ones turning ourselves into victims. Holding the breath stops the above-described cycle of nourishment and movement. Holding our breath disables any direct communication leaving any bystanders to guess at if and how they could help. The created tension can thus increase the physical and/or mental pain.

Instead if we dare to let go and breathe we are not a victim. We can help our body actively by releasing tension and allowing it to do what it knows best. Through additional breathing and visualization techniques we can even support and sometimes quicken the process. Meanwhile we can communicate what is happening, to either gain the peace and quiet or the help we need.

See Also

How to Prevent Chronic Disease

The breath is such a wonderful and powerful tool, we only have to allow it to work its magic. Why not explore it right now? Close your eyes and follow your breath and discover its many qualities for yourself. Discover the freedom when allowed to work at its full capacity.

Literature

B.K. Frantzis, Relaxing into Your Being, Berkeley: North Atlantic Books, 2001 W. Johnson, The Posture of Meditation, Boston: Shambala South Asia Editions, 2004.

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About the Author

Hilde Pols combines her music training with her energy work: As a flute and ensemble teacher she developed many techniques to encourage creativity and a sense of the own body, mind and soul. As a Certified Meditation Instructor, Healer and Dorn/Breuss Therapist she supports individuals to take life into their own hands. Located in Germany she has also taught in Denmark and the US