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Health & Fitness

Blog: The Way You Breathe Is The Way You Live Your Life

How do you breathe?

Breathing - the first thing we do when we are born and the last thing we do as we leave life. Just as important is how we breathe during this time in between. How do you breathe?

Take a minute to place one hand on your chest and the other on your lower abdomen. Now take a few breaths and notice if and where there is movement. Ask yourself these questions: Is my breath shallow? Do I only breathe in the upper chest or only into the lower abdomen? Do I hold onto my exhale? Most people will find there is definitely room for improvement. Ideally, you breathe with your whole respiratory system - into the chest and lower abdomen. If your breathing is full and open, you will feel both areas expand on the inhale and release on the exhale. 

Your breathing pattern is a reflection of the way you live your life.

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A breath that is constricted and shallow may indicate a life constricted and not lived to its potential. Not breathing into the abdomen may lead to not having enough energy, not feeling as grounded or present as possible. Restrictions in the upper chest may indicate restrictions in expression of love of self or others. Holding onto the exhale is an indication of holding on to emotions. These are just a few of the correlations.

As amazing as it may sound, I have seen time and time again that opening and expanding the breathing patterns change the way life is lived. Be aware of your breath and when you catch yourself holding your breath, make a conscious effort to breathe fully and deeply. You will find you have more energy, peace and maybe even more joy.

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