– DEBRA REBLE

consciously aware of your mind . It also puts you in touch with your body and how you ’ re feeling at any given moment . Next time you are stressed , angry , or anxious , check in with the quality of your breath . Your chaotic , squirrel-like mind often keeps you from being present : however , your breath connects you to your heart , the seat of the soul .

My breath always shows me where I am and how I am feeling . When I pause and notice my breath , I know whether I am anxious or calm , excited or quiet , or simply content . My default breath used to be shallow and mostly in my chest . Until I started a daily breathwork practice , I often found myself catching or holding my breath . Learning to breathe in a conscious , deep , and expanded way has been life-changing for me .

The breath itself , is the internal healer . It is important to incorporate breathwork into your daily life because it calms the parasympathetic nervous system ( the part of the involuntary nervous system that serves to slow the heart rate ), thereby reducing stress and anxiety . It also helps to increase concentration , creativity , and clarity .

A few of the spiritual practices that can assist you in extending this vital life force throughout your body and mind are : tai chi , meditation , chi gong , and yoga . These practices all provide a sacred space for you to notice , observe , and become aware of

your breath .

Practice using your breath to slow yourself and your thoughts down . This allows you to create space between one breath and another . Be mindful of your breath as you make a transition whether it is between one thought to another , one movement to another , or one choice to another . As you slow down , pay attention to your breath . It provides the pause so you can become aware of what kind of energy you are bringing to the moment .

The breath elevates your vibration by calming the body , specifically the parasympathetic nervous system . Notice your breath and it will tell you where you are . A 4:4:8 count breath exercise recalibrates your energies and brings you back into balance and high vibration . You inhale for 4 counts , pause at the top of the breath for 4 counts and then exhale for 8