B is for Breathwork (A to Z Challenge)

There are times in our lives we feel restricted. We feel like we are bound to something. We feel there is a wall between where we are and what we desire. This is spring and this is April. Think about a plant that is germinating in the ground. Eventually, it takes root and then it has to break through the resistance of the dirt to reach above ground. Imagine this is stressful.

All of this work underground and then the PUSH to come through inch by inch. In my last blog post we talked about change and transformation and seeing acceptance as the way to progress. Well, when things become stressful during change and transformation I suggest you breathe. Say what? Yes, but not the deep breath you take when you are frustrated. Let me explain.

When we are stressed we take short shallow breaths with the upper chest. There is this technique called breathwork and we use it in yoga. It’s breathing from the abdominal. When you breathe in you fill the belly with air and when you breathe out you pull the belly button in. This type of breathing from the abdominal helps to calm the nervous system and helps the body to relax.

I must admit when I first did this in yoga, it seemed silly. I was ready to skip this and get to the rest of the practice. But I learned that this was part of the practice and very important. I can’t tell you the number of times I have used what I called my yoga breath to settled down or to help me to think clearer.

As we move through this month of change and transformation, sometimes feeling restricted or blocked, we must breathe from the belly. I am going to leave and article which list the benefits. I will also leave a link to a beginner friendly breathwork video.

As a person who suffers from anxiety, breathwork has helped me. There is nothing worse than feeling restricted, blocked, and having to PUSH through and being hit by feelings of anxiety. It can feel like I am suffocating. I’m new to this breathwork and I hope you find it helpful as you face change and transformation.

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/breathing-to-reduce-stress

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-RkDAFHFVc

~Nikki

#atozchallenge2024