III. BREATHING
Shelley Lake, Stefon Breathing, 2020, Simulation, 90 Frame Animated GIF
“Breathe as if you do not breathe” — Lao Tzu
In the rule of threes, we can live without food for three weeks, we can live without water for three days and we can live without air for three minutes. The time-sensitivity of our breathing apparatus accentuates the importance of our shared airspace.
The global atmosphere and human respiration play an increasingly important role in the survival of our planet, our species, and every living organism. Although our autonomic nervous system drives our unconscious respiratory behavior, with increased awareness, we may begin to breathe consciously.
Conscious breathing increases the vital capacity of the respiratory system, reduces anxiety, improves circulation, and reduces the transmission of pathogens. Breathing through your nose increases oxygen absorption, improves posture and supports our immune system. We may optimize this often overlooked act of primal significance. Every breath holds the potential for a balanced exchange of nourishment and elimination. With improved vital capacity, we can become more connected in body, mind, and spirit.
Ken Dychtwald, author of the healing arts classic, Bodymind, describes how “Shallow breathing can act as a personal defense against the experience of feeling, for to breathe is to feel; and conversely, to limit breathing is to limit feeling.”[14]
To improve respiration, our first inclination is to take a deep breath. Nothing could be further from the truth. Over-breathing, also known as hyperventilation, leads to less oxygen available to the brain and body. Clinical psychologist, Inna Khazan shares her latest research into conscious breathing that supports the following guidelines:
1. Breathe Slow
Slow your breath down, so slowly that your nasal hairs do not move.
Take comfortably sized breaths.[15]
2. Breathe Low
Keep your breath out of your neck and shoulders.
Shift inhalation from your chest down into your abdomen.
Do not breathe deeply.
Be gentle, do not rush into the next inhalation.
3. Nasal Breathe
Inhalation and exhalation must take place through the nose.
Nasal breathing increases oxygen intake by ten to twenty percent.
Nasal breathing warms, filters, and humidifies incoming air.
Nasal breathing removes a significant amount of germs and bacteria.
Nasal breathing produces nitric oxide, a powerful bronchodilator
Nasal breathing reduces over-breathing, hyperventilation, and air hunger.[16]
Our life force, our spirit is enhanced by conscious breathing. Breathing fuels our energetic body, provides the cellular sustenance for the tissue beds, and ultimately can become a vehicle for communion with the universal.
[14] Ken Dychtwald, Bodymind, 1977, 146.
[15] Inna Khazan Ph.D., “Do Not Take a Deep Breath,” Psychology Today, December 23, 2019, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/biofeedback-and-mindfulness-in-everyday-life/201912/do-not-take-deep-breath.
[16] Patrick McKeown, “The Buteyko Method,” Buteyko Clinic, Myotape: Nose Breathing Safe and SimplePatrick McKeown, “The Buteyko Method,” Buteyko Clinic,