We are doing the best we can with the tools we have ~
When my son was two years old, I noticed stressful situations interrupted his breath flow. His breathing pattern would speed up, become shallow, and he would start gaging and sometimes even throw up as he struggled to take a full breath. He was experiencing anxiety. I knew all my son wanted was to feel safe. He was doing the best he could with his tools, and he needed new tools that supported his overall well-being as he continued to grow.
My son, now 9, still experiences anxiety.
As I observe him, I notice he is a mirror for many of us. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA), anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults, and only 36.9% of those suffering receive treatment.
A research study by Doctors Gerbarg and Brown showed that breathing six breaths a minute for ten minutes twice daily reduces anxiety and depression by up to 82%. I put this incredible statistic to the test and started practicing breathwork for myself and my son. The shifts we are experiencing are life-changing!
In the last few months, these are the changes we have noticed:
· We navigate in and through challenging moments by inhaling and exhaling fully (we no longer hold our breath)
· We have more patience for ourselves and others
· We have less worry
· We have a clearer mental state
· We express ourselves clearly and with ease
· We experience more joy
· We are more in flow with our breath moment to moment
· AND this list goes on!
Holistic Therapist and Breathwork Instructor Carol Lampman were recently on my show, Connection & Prevention, discussing the importance of allowing ourselves to FEEL. We try so many ways to mask our feelings because we don’t have healthy ways to process what we are experiencing. This results in abnormal breathing – creating anxiety and depression. We can feel, heal, and live our lives FULLY through intentional breathwork. Carol led listeners through the Basic Circular Breath and meditation during our episode. Please click here for more information on her breathing exercises.
As we continue to navigate in and through life, may we remember our breath is carrying us to each new moment, helping create and shape how we experience ourselves and the world.
