A piece of insight I find myself repeating to clients often is the vital connection their mind and body have with each other and how the power of breath can impact this connection in positive ways. The first step is bringing awareness to this connection and simply noticing what is affecting what. Start with questions like “Is my mental state affecting my body?” or “Is my physical state having any influence over my thoughts and mood?”. The flow of energy works in both directions, meaning your mental state can trigger a physical response and your physical condition can affect your mind.
Here are some examples to illustrate this. You can relate to that moment when your crush walks by and you feel the butterflies in your stomach. Perhaps, the mention of your favorite dessert gets your mouth watering just a little. Now consider when your body is stimulated first and how the mind can shift in response. For example, a hot bath can help you feel relaxed and de-stress after a long day. Also, your mood is quite different after getting 8 hours of sleep versus only 4 hours.
Exploring the Mind & Body Connection with Yoga and Breath
On some level we all know that our mind and body is connected but overtime we become desensitized and I see this disconnect all the time in the clients that I work with. I believe there is an important connection between our mind, body, and spirit. Many other spiritual guides and health care practitioners agree that these three dimensions are interconnected. Any sort of misalignment in these dimensions could be holding you back in many areas of your life.
Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens. – Khalil Gibran
When I sense a client is experiencing a particular disconnect I encourage them to start a yoga practice. The first step in yoga is connecting with the power of breath. So you don’t have to go out and buy a fancy yoga outfit or sign up at an expensive gym. You can start today with no money at all. Just find a comfortable seat and start with focusing on your breath, maybe only 5 minutes a day and gradually increase.
Essentially the breath is how we clear the mind and recharge the body. Deeper more conscious breathing, also known as pranayama, has been linked to many positive physical and mental effects. I feel a sense of clarity, release, and deeper connection to my body after I complete my breath work. I have been told by my clients and friends that they share this experience and can relate with similar happy effects.
When you are balanced and when you listen and attend to the needs of your body, mind, and spirit, your natural beauty comes out. – Christy Turlington
Set a little time aside today to experience the wonderful power of breath. Oxygen is a vital part of life and could be the missing link in your quest to a better mind and body connection. I recommend further investigation on this topic by visiting the Power of Breath Institute’s website. Also, stop by YouTube for easy beginner yoga videos to start your practice today. Once you discover how to use your breathe as a tool to connect your mind, body, and spirit, you will be a step closer to finding peace.