Conscious Breathing

Becoming aware of your breath brings you into the present moment…the key to inner transformation. Whenever you are conscious of breath you are absolutely present, which results in less stress and greater harmony.

Breathing (and laughter) is our natural antidote to stress and an effective anti-depressant available to us every moment.

Deep breathing helps quiet our fast paced minds and our thoughts. It refreshes like cool water on a hot summer’s day.

Often, we upset ourselves with our thoughts and perceptions of outside events. We become tense and resort to shallow breathing (breathing from the upper chest and shoulders), which actually increases the build up of toxins, stress and grief.

Deep breathing begins in the diaphragm, oxygenating every cell in the body while melting away stress, and enhancing energy. Try this…

Get in a comfy position, feet on floor, lap cleared, eyes cast downwards, with mouth relaxed, in half-smile position. Lick your lips. Breathe in through the nose, while exhaling through the mouth, feel your breathe on your lips. Take another deep breath and slowly release, making a little sound as the breathe passes over your lips. Watch each breathe, following it down to your diaphragm and the opening of your lungs.

Do this three times to release tension, and to become fully present.

Practice conscious breathing. It’s free and will free your mind for greater clarity.

RX for relaxation.

When tension, fear or confusion surface, a brisk walk around the block, or your office, will help clear your mind. Finish with 3 deep breathes for a fresh start the next moment. Enjoy!

Rosemary O'Neill, MA, MFT, PCC