THE BREATH CONNECTION
It is well known that our physical, emotional, and mental states affect our breathing. We know, for example, that pain can cause a sudden intake of breath, that anticipation sometimes makes us hold our breath, that fatigue or depression often causes us to sigh. We change our breathing when something interests us, startles us, annoys us, pleases us. Everyone is aware through personal experience how closely changes of this kind relate to breathing patterns.
What we are often not aware of, however, is that our breathing affects our physical, emotional, and mental states. For example, in a stressful situation slow, deep breathing will re-establish a state of balance within the body and the physical symptoms of stress will be diminished. Slow, deep breathing reduces the workload of the cardio-respiratory system, improves blood circulation, and the entire body begins to operate in a more relaxed, balanced way.
Frequently we are stressed when we feel we are not in control. This results in frustration and anxiety which causes a change in the breathing pattern. What we are not aware of, and should be, is that our breathing pattern, in turn, can maintain in us this state of anxiety.
When we consciously change our breathing pattern we can reduce the anxiety levels of stress.
It is this unique ability to deliberately modify and make adjustments in our breathing that is so important in effectively managing stress and re-establishing control.
This relationship between mind, body, emotions and breath is identified as the breath connection. As you learn the various yoga breathing techniques you will become very aware of this connection and will be able to use your breath to balance your mind, body, and emotions.