Breathing for life: Shelley Negelow teaches us practical steps for letting go of stress.

We all know that breathing is a normal human function. The question is, do you breathe on purpose, consciously, throughout the day? Or, do you breathe just because you have to, in order to survive? If you are not using your breath consciously, then you are missing a vital tool that can enhance the quality of your life.

Breathing is more than a survival mechanism. When you use it purposefully it can increase your physical and emotional well-being, as well as give you a deeper experience of your spirituality, however you may define it. Before we can address the various ways breathing can impact the quality of your life, it is essential to practice becoming aware of the actual feeling in the body as you learn to breathe consciously.

So, let's start with a simple exercise. Choose a quiet, peaceful place where you don't have any distractions. You can sit up with your arms and legs uncrossed or you can lie down. Begin by taking slow, deep breaths. Focus on expanding your chest and abdomen at the same time. See if you can breathe all the way down to the tip of your spine.

As you exhale, do not push your breath. Allow your breath to be released out of your body, like a sigh.

Continue taking slow, deep inhales. Release your exhale easily and nature. Don't pause between the inhale and the exhale. Practice this for at least ten minutes.

What did you discover? Do you feel lighter and more open in your body? Are your thoughts calmer? Did you have any difficultly staying conscious with your breath and don't know what you are feeling?

Whatever you experienced, breathing consciously requires practice ... every day. The more you practice, the more you will open yourself up to a world that is exciting and invigorating. Keep going! Before you know it, you will become masterful in breathing with ease. You will feel more at peace and connected with yourself as you go through the day.

Now, let's use this exercise in a practical way. Choose something you are feeling in your body and identify it specifically; for instance, tightness across the back of your shoulders, a stiff neck, pressure in your head, etc. Pick one thing that you are ready to let go of. Remember, this is practice.

Begin to take deep, slow breaths, a deep inhale and a relaxed exhale, just as you did in the previous exercise. Relax your exhale like a sigh. Focus your breath into the place in your body where you are feeling the physical reaction. It may seem silly that you can breathe into your shoulders. But keep letting go of what you are thinking and continue to practice anyway. Envision the shoulders letting go as you breathe oxygen into that area of your body. Take breaths until you feel a change. Then, return your breath to its normal pace.

Were you able to feel a shift in the area of your body where you were focusing your breathing? Good. If you did not feel a shift, choose another reaction in your body and do this exercise again.

We're going to continue with another part of this exercise. This time, choose an emotion that you have been putting up with ... something that has been bothering you that you are ready to let go of. Identify it specifically; for example, I am angry at my boss.

Begin by taking deep, slow breaths, breathing as far down to the tip of your spine as you can. Bring up the thoughts about the anger you have with your boss. You may envision the circumstances. Breathe with the intention of letting it go. Keep breathing as you feel the emotions dissipating. Relax your breath out of your body, like a sigh. Keep breathing until you feel a shift. Return your breath back to its normal pace when you are ready.

This part may have been more challenging. Did you feel a change in your body? Do you feel lighter? Has the emotion disappeared? Do you feel less 'hooked' to your circumstances? Good. If you did not feel a shift, keep practicing. Be sure that what you are working on you are actually ready to let go of. Remember this is practice. So keep going!

How can you apply these simple exercises to your everyday life? As you breathe consciously and your body becomes more open, you can release the physical and emotional holdings that contribute to the stress and lack of vitality you may be experiencing. You can live a more balanced life.

Ultimately, your breath is the key that unlocks your body and brings you to an awareness of your spiritual connection with God or the universe, however you view it. The body gives you access to your natural connection with yourself, the world around you, the universe and beyond. I invite you to choose to become masterful in your breathing. Practice each day. It is your birthright to enjoy the quality of your life!

Shelley Negelow, founder of Power of Woman Seminars, trains women nationwide in how to live a magnificent life. For info, call 770-682-5440. [e-mail]