Response to The Breathing Book

What is Essential Breath?

By dictionary definition, “essential” breath is an inhalation that is absolutely necessary. I’d argue, on the one hand, every breath is “essential”-- and on the other hand, that this is not what Donna Farhi meant by “essential breath” in her book The Breathing Book. Rather, according to Farhi, “essential breath” is the state of union between body, mind, and soul -- in which the breath flows effortlessly and absolutely naturally.

Breath, explains Farhi is “the most readily accessible resource you have for creating and sustaining your vital energy” (Farhi 5). In a way, the breath is like a temperature gauge to both the internal and external states of the Self, or individual. When the individual is out of balance the breath is too short, or constricted in the chest, instead of deeply rooted in the belly. When the individual has the ability to be self-aware, then he/ she can correct the posture, body alignment, fullness of the breath and therefore adjust the body to better intake oxygen. With an increased capacity to absorb oxygen, the body can inhale and exhale deeply -- which in turn benefits all of the physical systems and mental states… ultimately leading to a greater sense of ease, peace, and calm. In essence, it is the breath that serves as a conduit between the physical and mental states. And therefore can be a vehicle to improving both.

Focusing strictly on the medical benefits, when “we breath in a relaxed fashion we move from a destructive metabolic state to a constructive one.” Which in turn moves the individual from a state of stress to one of relaxation. This relaxed state “can affect the synthesis of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, increase the production of cells for immune system activation, promote bone repair and growth, as well as enhance the cellular, hormonal, and psychological process” (7). We have heard time and again that stress is bad for you; then alternately, a state of calm is good for you.

The benefits of “essential” breathing spiral out from the self. If the individual is functioning from a place of ease and calm, his/ her interactions with others and the universe as a whole, will also be easy, peaceful, and calm. Farhi echoes this sentiment, when she states: “to become a welcome vessel for the breath is to live life without trying to control, grasp or push away… the process of breathing is the most accurate metaphor we have for the way that we personally approach life, how we live our lives, and how we react to the inevitable changes that life brings us” (5). Again, taking a sense of ownership and mindfulness for a seemingly automated task has a ripple effect insofar as other automatic responses can, in theory, be slowed down and enacted with intention.

Universally the breath is recognized as more that just a biological function-- but a more “spiritual” event as noted in the various translations of the word breath: “soul, air, spirit, life force, consciousness, self, heart, and source” (5). According to the ancient translations of breath in various language, the act of breathing has universally been revered as sacred.

When people practice breathing exercise “their minds become clearer and their emotions become more balanced through calm and regular breathing, they are creating a life that is conducive to health, well-being, and a sense of inner peace” (7). In sum, being “aware” of something as simple, basic, and “essential” as the breath, can have a great impact on the physical body, mental body, emotional state, spiritual capacity, impact on others, community, and world. The more an individual can tune it, the more the world benefits from their output.

How Do I Breathe?

Location of the Breath: In truth, my breath today is having trouble settling down into my belly. I am noticing my breath both in my stomach and in my chest-- and more often than not getting stuck in my chest. I’ve been having an issue with my nose for the past few months. I don’t normally get allergies and I even went to an allergist to get tested and I came back clear. Regardless, my nose has cracks -- and feels congested… which is leading me to breathe with my mouth! My mouth breaths don’t feel as full or as deep.

Origin of the Breath: My breath appears to originate in my nose and stay in my head. By that I mean, that when I concentrate on the origin of my breath, I have started my exhale while still fixating of the inhale taking place in my nose. My concentration seems to be trapped in my head. I know that I am capable of fuller-- deeper breaths; however, I did have a challenging day at work, which is leaving me with shallow heady breath.

Frequency of the Breath: When I timed myself -- just now -- I took five slow breaths in one minute. Despite being somewhat stressed today, I have practiced yoga for 30 minutes, meditation alone for ten, and lead two student meditation groups for ten minutes each-- so maybe an hour or so of mindful breathing. Today my breath feel slow-- but not full.

Phrasing of the Breath: After timing myself practicing a few rounds of breathing I was inhaling for about a count of 5-6 and exhaling for about a count of 6-7 -- so a slightly longer exhale, but more of less evenly paced. The inhale felt more strained than the exhale.

Texture of the Breath: My breath feels smooth as in not held up at any point-- a continuously flow. But as a whole, it feels like the air is occupying more space in the head, throat, and chest than the belly. (I am tempted to repeat this practice in the morning after a restful night’s sleep as opposed to after a challenging day at work.)

Depth of the Breath: My breath is notably more shallow than I would like it to be. As mentioned before, my nose is irritated physically and my breath feels stuck in my nose, throat, and chest. When I do not concentrate, I find myself mouth-breathing to avoid the irritated nose-- and my mouth breaths are far less filling.

Quality of the Breath: Limited. My breath today feels “limited.” Which is ironic because I am mentally feeling “limited.” By that I mean, that more people are asking for my attention than I have energy for-- and this is making me frustrated and strained. I would love to focus on completing my YTT work for myself-- yet there is a line of people and emails vying for my attention. Part of my intention, in taking this course, it to put myself first, in order to restore balance and gather energy.

Farhi, Donna. The Breathing Book: Good Health and Vitality Through Essential Breathwork. New York, St. Martin's Griffin, 1996.