Self-Awareness through Breath
Author: Marti Eicholz, Ph.D.

Breathing is something we do more than 14,000 times every single day. Yet the breath is something we rarely devote any attention to, and breath is one of the most powerful ways to develop awareness of our physical dimension. Breathing provides a link between our physical dimension and virtually every other aspect of our being, including the mental, emotional and spiritual realms. The more aware we become of our breath and the more we understand the profound effects that breathing has on our consciousness, the better we can explore our tremendous potential within.

In order to awaken the various centers of energy within your physical body, your entire system must be gently strengthened and stabilized. This is a key to inner change. This gentle strengthening process can take many forms, such as eating nutritious foods, exercise, becoming aware of our thought processes and also through our breathing. “Breath,” as Deepak Chopra says, “is the junction point between mind, body and spirit.”

Breath and the Emotions
Now let’s talk about the breath and how it relates to our emotions because this is a really important subject, and it’s one that you don’t hear much about very often. Consider this fundamental concept: our breathing reflects what’s going on inside our mind. As our mental state changes, so does our breath. Our posture and the sensations we experience in our body also are related to our breathing.

When we’re in a rage, our breath is shallow on the inhalation. And it’s strong on the exhalation. On the other hand, sometimes when people are angry, they inhale and actually hold their breath. It’s very different when we are fearful or anxious. Our breath becomes rapid and shallow. Sorrow creates spasmodic, broken breathing, such as when we’re sobbing. After crying, when we’ve released some of our sadness, our air flow increases dramatically, and we feel better.

How about when we breathe a sigh of relief? We let go of emotions which have held us tight and perhaps prepared us for danger. And when we find something “breath-taking,” we gasp. Our breath follows the lead of our attention which is stunned in awe. Our breath actually stops for a moment, as does the mind’s constant chatter to allow us to absorb the beauty of a magnificent sight. Experiences both positive and negative can cause us to draw in our breath in shock and wonder. Joy, on the other hand, produces rhythmic, strong breathing. The chest cavity relaxes. Similarly with feelings of love, we become calm and relaxed.

Living in the Present
As we slow down to observe our breathing, we are led to experience a wonderful thing. We get to enjoy being – right this very moment, right where we are. We get the opportunity to be in the present moment. We are able to slow our lives down and experience right now.

So often in our achievement-oriented society, we lose the ability to savor moments and to truly live. Of course, the present is the only place where life can really be lived. When we’re dwelling on the past, we’re missing out on the moments that are happening right now. Likewise, a lot of people look forward to a point in the future – a big event such as a wedding, or when the kids finally get into kindergarten or have graduated, or whatever. It is important to accept the present, however it looks, right where we are. The only place where change can occur, anyway, is the present.

Breath as a Lightening Process
Being aware of your breath is a “lightening” process. As the vital life energy flows through you, as you become less constricted and hold your shoulders back and breathe deeply on a regular basis, as oxygen moves through your body to nourish it and carbon dioxide is released, you actually become lighter. Your energy levels rise at the same time, affecting your body, mind, heart and soul.

With a new appreciation for the miracle of breath, let’s explore our breath, following the idea wherever it leads us. Use your experiences of breath to move to a new level of being. Discover for yourself that a life fully breathed is a life fully lived. Above all, consider how a new knowledge of breath can be yet another building block to self-awareness to assist you in maximizing your potential.






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Marti Eicholz, Ph.D. is founder of the Institute for Transformation in Kirkland, Washington. She is also a national speaker, radio personality and the author of five books. Her most recent title is Personal Relationships: The Art of Living Together. Learn more about the Institute for Transformation at www.transformation.org.

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