The first thing we all do instinctively when born is to inhale and take that very first breath. The last thing we do before we leave this earth and body is to exhale. There was no lesson, just the pure inbuilt instinct.

From that first moment of birth, we breathe through many inhalations and exhalations for the rest of our lives. Most of the breathing is automatic and we give little, if any, thought to the power of this life giving instinct. The times we are aware of our breath is often through ill health, or when we feel puffed, have shortness of breath, get stressed, have panic attacks or are highly emotional. We have in us, from that first breath, an incredible tool for changing any moment in our lives. Quite simply, our ability to connect to the breath is all that we need in many aspects of our lives. The simplicity of the breath is so profound, incredibly transformative, cleansing, altering and powerful. When we choose to be conscious of how the breath moves in and through us, we are then able to change many situations in our life.

If we look at the first inhalation we take, we are breathing in life giving sustenance, and our body responds. When we take that last exhalation, we are totally letting go and surrendering, as our spirit moves from this earth. So can you imagine how in any moment of the day, any time of our journey on this planet, we can consciously change anything through the full awareness and connection to our own breath. It is like our own inbuilt GPS, our own navigation system. We feel through our breath if we are challenged on any level, depleted, unwell, unfit, panicked, emotional and so much more.

Over the years we have been told to ‘take a deep breath’, before we attempted something we may have feared, to take some breaths and  to10 if feeling stressed, angry or agitated with another person, to pant when in pain, to count the breaths when exercising……..to focus on the breath in meditation, to get out and breath fresh air………. All subtle reminders of how the breath sustains us in all areas of our life.

The breath carries us from one moment into the next. The more connected we are to how we breathe and to how we use this guidance tool, is always indicated by a capacity for greater clarity, better health, more energy, increased stability, balanced emotionally, and more lightness in the spirit.

Simplicity is the key here……. Listen to your breath, focus on your breath, feel your breath fill your lungs, expand your ribcage and bring the infinite intelligence of all life into your physical form. As you exhale, feel the contraction of the ribs, the release of the breath, the surrendering of all the stagnant energy, back to the infinite intelligence that surrounds us. Every inhalation is an opportunity to be reborn, every exhalation is the opportunity to totally release…….

Take a slow deep breath…………….
By Raelene Byrne www.medicineforyourspirit.com