Often we think that peace is elusive. This is especially true when we are challenged by health issues. Typically, when we are frightened we lose any sense of peace that we might have had. Yet, there are significant moments of peace waiting and available when we consciously turn to our breath. Breathing is free and there are only positive side effects.

Mindfulness is a skill to be practiced and achieved. It does not occur naturally. It takes consciousness and effort to create a space in our busy lives where we are actually existing just at this moment.

When starting on your mindfulness journey you will want to begin by focusing on your breathing. Find a quiet space to just be and then practice the following steps…

Gently and quietly inhale very slowly and low in your belly.

Hold the breath for a few seconds

Exhale very slowly and very gently

Pause a few seconds

Repeat three times throughout the day

Breathing slowly helps you create a sense of internal calm by engaging your parasympathetic nervous system. Your breath tells your mind to change the chemistry in your brain. You feel better because your brain is no longer responding to the fight or flight mechanism. You relax and can engage your conscious, thinking brain.

Your breath helps you to be in this one moment. You are not in the past. You are not in the future. Breathing in and out three times, very slowly keeps you in the here and now.

Now is the only moment you have.

Peace is now.

The Importance of Mindful Breathing