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I hope the next 21’ish breaths are the most nourishing of your day.
4 THOUGHTS
1. A Nasal Nexus Point
“That point at the tip of the nostril can be viewed as a sort of a window between the inner and outer worlds. It is a nexus point and energy transfer spot where stuff from the outside world moves in and becomes a part of what we call “me,” and where a part of “me” flows forth to merge with the outside world. There are lessons to be learned here about self-identity and how we form it.”
– Bhante Gunaratana, Mindfulness in Plain English
One of those lessons is that we are not separate from the world around us but are (quite literally) connected to it: “We” absorb pieces of “it,” and “it” absorbs pieces of “us.” The breath just reminds us that the boundary between “we” and “it” is somewhat of an illusion 👏
2. Breathing Modulates the Whole Brain
“We, therefore, propose that an individual’s respiratory rhythm serves a fundamental, intrinsic role that modulates the topography and dynamics of the whole brain. Going beyond respiration-brain coupling, this opens the door for the application of respiration as a therapeutic technique in mental disorders.”
Our breathing might serve “a fundamental, intrinsic role that modulates the topography and dynamics of the whole brain.” How cool is that?
If you’d like to learn more, we have a new Science 411 on this paper in the Learning Center. Get access to it, plus the largest hub of science and wisdom on the contemplative arts, all for as little as $5.
3. Three Random Breathing Thoughts
1. Slow breathing is air appreciation. Fast breathing is air intoxication. And breath holding is air imagination.
2. Breathing is more an expression of our life force than merely our connection to it.
3. With time, breath awareness naturally becomes gratitude for living.
4. Life is Far Too Important
“Life is far too important to be taken seriously.”
– Attributed to Oscar Wilde
Or if you prefer this version from Eckhart Tolle: “Life is not as serious as the mind makes it out to be.” Both are perfect reminders to smile and laugh at ourselves often this week 😊
1 Quote
“Life itself is always in movement, so aligning with our life force means that we must always look for the flow within us.””
1 Answer
Category: Breathing and Pressure
Answer: Pursed-lips and ujjayi breathing both likely lead to a slight increase in this (clinically abbreviated PEEP), which may help keep the airways open during exhalation.
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(Cue the Jeopardy! music.)
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In good breath,
Nick Heath, T1D, PhD
“Breathing is the compound interest of health & wellness.”
P.S. Basic human needs:
The Generalist Approach
While I love just about everything about breathing and meditation, there’s one thing I feel could use more balance: Specialization.
Specializing to become “the best at this” or “the go-to person for that” certainly has its place and value. But for real-life, complex, messy humans (not speaking from experience or anything 😂), blending and adapting principles from a variety of practices, sciences, and traditions often works best.
This is the art of being a generalist, or what I playfully call being a “Mixed Mindful Artist.”
If you’re looking to build a truly beneficial personal practice or have a broader impact on those you teach, the generalist approach of becoming a mixed mindful artist might resonate with you.
You can learn more about it here.
The Breathing App for Diabetes
This is the first program specifically made for people with diabetes to help manage their stress through breathing and mindfulness practices. In addition to the amazing program inside the app, we have some really neat things coming up, so sign up now!
Amazon Associate Disclosure
I’ve been recommending books for almost 6 years. Yet somehow, I just discovered that I could be an Amazon affiliate [face-palm]. In any case better late than never. Now, any Amazon link you click is an affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. So, if you’d like to support my work, buying books through these links is helpful : )
* An asterisk by a quote indicates that I listened to this book on Audible. Therefore, the quotation might not be correct, but is my best attempt at reproducing the punctuation based on the narrator’s pace, tone, and pauses.