Mindfulness & Breathwork

Mindfulness is a form of meditation and involves “paying full conscious attention to whatever thoughts, feelings and emotions are flowing through your mind, body and breath without judging or criticising them in any way” (Penman 2018). Much research has been carried out since the 20th century, all to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness for health. Data from level one studies is promising and shows that mindfulness meditation can aid good health and be an antidote to stress. Mindfulness as we know it today is secular; it’s non-religious and has gained popularity in healthcare, schools, corporate organisations and even the military.

If you are seeking opportunities to combat stress, anxiety or are living with a physical and mental health condition, Mindfulness can offer strategies to help you act in ways that conjure more contentment and compassion. On the other hand, you may already live a happy life, but you would like to slow down, appreciate the moment and bring more awareness to your day-to-day living.

WHY IS BREATHING SO IMPORTANT?

Breathing is the foundation of life… without it, we perish. It is an automatic mechanism that happens in our bodies, therefore many of us do not make a conscious effort to notice it. Breathing promotes the uptake of oxygen to all of our organs, therefore optimal breathing can influence the day-to-day function of the systems in our bodies. Manipulating the breath can change our physical state; our heart rate, muscular tone, emotional control and stress levels (to name a few). In essence, there is an indisputable link between the breath and the body/mind and by mastering the breath, we can better control our reaction to our environment and the way in which we influence others.