Homeostasis

Inhale.

Exhale.

Relax your body.

Relax your mind.

Relax your soul.

We live in a fast-paced society, where time is our system. We experience most of the world around us in a subconscious state, chasing all kinds of duties, ruled by abstract dualities. But we live. Life is flowing through our bodies, blood pumps through our veins, and air through our lungs. Yet once in a while, we get the opportunity to be present, to be in the moment, even when it’s just a split second. These moments are the ones that stick to us, the moments we feel most calm and alive. We as humans, as living creatures.

At the core of living is breath, something so important yet sometimes so elusive, we go through the experience every day, the simple and mostly unconscious task of breathing. Filling up our bodies with air, invisible to the naked eye and yet so essential. The core element of our functioning and yet so many times overlooked, tucked away as a primitive functionality.

This wonderful functionality is the one that gives us life, what distinguishes us from artificial creatures, to breathe is one of our most important abilities. At the same time, it’s so versatile. It’s fundamental moreover complex, it possesses many functionalities for our body, responsibilities for keeping us balanced and alive, it undergoes different forms which adapt to the needs of our bodies.

Breath is at the essence of being alive, moreover, it is inherently connected to our mental states and emotions. It influences our cognitive abilities, serves as a gateway to consciousness, and is at the essence of every human experience and sensation. Its purpose is cosmic.

Focus on the breath brings us closer to being human, it connects our mind and body, our soul and nature, our place in the here and now, it indulges homeostasis.

References

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Brown RP, Gerbarg PL. Sudarshan Kriya Yogic Breathing in the Treatment of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: Part II—Clinical Applications and Guidelines. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2005;11(4):711-717 31.

Russo A, Santarelli M, O’Rourke D. The physiological effects of slow breathing in the healthy human. Breathe. 2017;13(4):298-309 32.

Sunil Naik G, Gaur G, Pal G. Effect of Modified Slow Breathing Exercise on Perceived Stress and Basal Cardiovascular Parameters. Int J Yoga. 2019;11(1):53-58

Jerath R, Edry J, Barnes V, Jerath V. Physiology of long pranayamic breathing: neural respiratory elements may provide a mechanism that explains how slow deep breathing shifts the autonomic nervous system. Med Hypotheses. 2006;67(3):566-71