by Michelle Cohen

Inhale.

Exhale.

It’s something we all do nearly 21,600 times a day*.   And for most of us, it’s something we take for granted, as it happens so automatically, so easily, and well, clearly, we’ve been doing it for our entire lives.  But the beauty of the breath is that it’s a function of our body that operates without our assistance, but also the only one that we can consciously control and manipulate.  (We can’t tell our heart to beat or our liver to stop filtering toxins).  Conscious breathing is also called mindful breathing, where we bring our attention to each in-breath and each out-breath that we take.  Focusing on our breath allows us to anchor our mind to our body and to actually step into the present moment. (Instead of the pretend moment that most of us live in, which is usually thoughts of the past or the future—anything but the NOW that lies in front of us).

And all it takes is just noticing: As Thich Nhat Hanh, the renowned Vietnamese Buddhist Monk teaches, breathing in, I know I am breathing in, breathing out I know I am breathing out.  It’s that simple (but not so easy, I know). By engaging in specific breathing practices we can unlock and release stagnant emotions, create healthful practices for the body, and embrace the wondrous life we were gifted.

In this space, I hope to offer (and explore along with you!) a variety of breathing methods, some yogic wisdom and inspiration, and discuss how these ancient practices can help fuel our desire and passion for living our most creative life.  But although I am a yoga teacher, I am first and foremost still a student.

In any given day, 21,593 breaths that I enjoy are taken for survival—in the midst of caring for two small, exuberant children, navigating crazy Washington, D.C. traffic, and juggling a million responsibilities.  But the few times when I remember to slow down, bring my awareness to my breath and PAUSE, my perspective shifts and changes the entire quality of the experience I find myself in.   Breathing in and breathing out, I reground myself.  Breathing in and breathing out, I am happy to be alive.

Becoming aware of our breath is the very first step.  From that place of awareness, we can then learn to deepen the breath, manipulate it to alter our nervous system in positive ways and learn that with the breath all things are possible.  Only with the breath, of course, is anything really possible.  So I encourage you to just breathe.  And notice.  And, please, let me know how it goes.

*Based on the average of 15 breaths per minute, found here.

A practice for mindful breathing as taught by Thich Nhat Hanh:

As you inhale and exhale, recite this poem to yourself.

Breathing in, I calm my body.
Breathing out, I smile.
Dwelling in the present moment
I know this is a wonderful moment.