The Power of Breath and Movement
I have relied on my contemplative work rooted in the practice of breath and movement to ground myself in moments of uncertainty and change. In order to engage in this work, I remind myself that my breath is connected to my body and most importantly, I do, in fact, have a body! I function in this world all too often from the neck up, heavily utilizing my intellect to engage in the everyday happenings of life. Recognizing and noticing my body has invited more curiosity about how I feel in an effort to create a new way of knowing. For me, this new way of knowing, deeply seated in the investigation of how my body feels, has led to a practice of activating my breath and body to create change. Noticing that I can change the way I feel by paying closer attention to my breath and body has led me to understand the power of using both to effectively regulate emotional experiences, relying less on my tendency to intellectualize, and more on the experience of feeling as knowing.
For me, the use of breath and body awareness is an invitation to cultivate my relationship with myself. When I separate from myself, I am unaware of my breath, my body, or the dignity of the present moment. Inviting myself back to my breath in times of arousal or discomfort has heightened my awareness of its power. The breath is a gateway to the nervous system. Using my breath, gives me access to noticing my responses to arousal and discomfort. When I am able to notice these responses, I feel connected to my body, and with this connection, I am able to access a more curious, creative stance toward the happenings of every day life.
Being present in my body and being aware of my breath can occur anytime throughout the day. First, I notice my body and breath in small doses. I am curious and investigate the sensations that arise in me during certain times of the day. As I begin to notice these sensations, I am invited to make a choice to breath. I take five breaths, inhaling and exhaling through my nose or mouth. I notice my breath for these brief moments. Or, I may move my body in a new way. I may consciously shift my body as a practice of noticing and discovery. Does this movement change the quality of my thoughts or the way I feel in my body? I stay curious as best as I can without inviting judgement or shame. I have found this investigative process has enhanced my capacity to attend to my emotional experiences.
