Researchers @ U of Wisconsin found that meditation activated an immune-linked brain region (left-sided anterior) — while showing a powerful antibody response to flu vaccine. And what’s an intrinsic part of meditation the world over? Breath work! And it takes PRACTICE!
I’m sure this sounds insane, especially given my career choice, but INTENTIONAL breathing doesn’t come naturally to me ????????????♀️. I KNOW it’s importance — I start EVERY client session w/breath work, as much for my benefit as theirs & you can L-I-T-E-R-A-L-L-Y FEEL the energy shift in the room after 5 or 10 grounding breaths (I use @drweil 4-7-8 technique)
But even still…Sometimes I come to my mat and take that first intentional breath in child’s pose, and feel so drastically different than I did 3 seconds earlier, I wonder “have I been holding my breath all day!?!”
This is one reason why I PRACTICE. It’s a reminder to come back to breath. It’s taken years & I’m far from perfect, but now I can often sense a holding or restriction when I’m rushed, anxious or overwhelmed.
And then, (sometimes) I REMEMBER… “Just BREATHE, then feel the feelings! If you still want to freak out, you can!” But almost ALWAYS, my emotion’s “volume” is lower & I’ve gained perspective.
In this time of high stress/anxiety, breathing can calm us & help us in meditation.
Let’s face it — most of us are more stressed (even if we don’t feel it, change is inherently stressful), have more time & could use more immune support now, so it’s the perfect time to try!
Challenge:
1. try incorporating 5-20 min of meditation for a week & see if you feel different. It can’t hurt right? Meditation apps: headspace, calm, insight timer.
2. Does your watch remind you to breathe but you ignore it? Try attending to it once or twice a day — just try it!!!
3. Try the 4-7-8 breath: when you can’t sleep, in traffic, when your WiFi breaks, your ceiling leaks, or if you need a “time-out” from your spouse or kids.
Just see You don’t feel slightly less chaotic!
https://www.drweil.com/videos-features/videos/breathing-exercises-4-7-8-breath/
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