Opinion

Focusing on the Breath

The breath, a simple, basic and essential act happening too many times a day to count. Yet the breath is often taken for granted and ignored. Why should we focus on the breath you may be asking yourself? I can tell you from personal experience that this focus can have profound effects in your life. When I first began exploring information about how and why attention on the breath is important, I had a hard time believing something so seemingly simple could make that much of a difference in my life. I couldn’t make the connection between this intention and increasing peace in my life. My mind is so active and at times troublesome, how could focusing on my breath bring me peace? Despite my doubts, I decided to give it a try. At first I felt sort of silly sitting in silence and trying to focus on my breath. My mind would race and I often wanted to give up on this practice. I stuck with it. Slowly, I started to notice that by not judging my wandering mind and gently refocusing back on my breath, I started to gain a certain sense of peace entering my experience. I began to gain a grasp on what a powerful tool this could be in my life. After all, I carry my breath with me wherever I go, so I can use this intention in any situation causing me stress. I could focus on my breath whether I was by myself or in a crowd of people! What a simple, yet profound coping tool! Now that I have maintained a daily practice of intentionally focusing on my breath for a longer period of time, I have noticed other changes within myself. I am now more gentle with myself, not judging myself so harshly. I also do not feel so powerless because I know I can use this tool in any situation to regain a sense of focus and peace. Those are just a couple of changes I have been noticing in myself and my life since I began a regular practice of focusing on my breath. I would suggest that anyone try this simple, yet profound act! Peace.