Life as we know, is dynamic. There are constant changes, evolving challenges, intimidating demands. Many a time we also go through stressful events or we are overwhelmed by thoughts and memories of the past. The people we interact with also trigger a lot of responses which have an emotional impact on our wellbeing. This may range from a state of happiness to one of melancholy. A state of happiness is always welcome but when we are confused, sad, afraid or embarrassed then it is of vital importance to take a deep breath and calm ourselves down.
Breathing becomes the weapon with which we defend ourselves from negative or stressful emotions. The first step is to concentrate on our breath .But it is not as easy as it sounds. To sit down and reign in our thoughts and to concentrate on our breath is something which can be accomplished only after a lot of practice. Meditation that involves concentrating on one’s breath has been practised by the Buddhist monks from times immemorial.
A person generally takes about 22,000 breaths a day. To sit down in a comfortable place and consciously concentrate on one’s breath even for a few minutes will work like magic on your mental wellbeing.
One of the most common breathing exercises is to breathe in, to a count of four, hold, and then breathe out to a count of six or eight. This lowers the heartbeat, relaxes your muscles and you can feel your tension ebbing away. Many of us go to the gym or take up Pilates to keep the body in good shape. It is always the mind which is neglected. Sadly a mind that is plagued with turmoil and anxiety is left to fend for itself.
Life is full of uncertainties and there are definitely no guarantees about how it may pan out whether it be your business, your career or your relationships. Just keeping still for a few minutes, training the mind to concentrate on the breath is the perfect antidote for this malady .At the very beginning it may look like a daunting task and you may even try to avoid it altogether. An easier way would be to start with only a few minutes every day until you become habituated to it. The second obstacle would to be reign in your thoughts which wander almost uncontrollably.
In the Mahabharata Arjuna tells lord Krishna.
“The mind is restless, turbulent, obstinate and very strong, O Krsna and to subdue it, I think, is more difficult than controlling the wind” Bhagawad Gita 6.34
Then what are we in comparison, just hapless mortals! Therefore, we must determinedly try to redirect our errant thoughts to concentrate on our breath.
Breathing in meditation also teaches you to be kind to yourself. When you feel good within that’s when you feel like being and doing good to others. It also makes you more resilient by building up your inner strength. It channelizes your energies in a positive way so that you are able to focus with much more clarity. It also aids in in alleviating insomniac symptoms caused by mental distress. Lastly and most importantly you do not need to travel anywhere neither do you need any special equipment to breathe .So seize this moment and live your life to its fullest potential and make it as care free as you can !
"If you are quiet enough, you will hear the flow of the universe. You will feel its rhythm. Go with this flow. Happiness lies ahead. Meditation is key."
Gautam Buddha
