Smiling is very important. If we are not able to smile, then the world will not have peace. It is not by going out for a demonstration against nuclear missiles that we can bring about peace. It is with our capacity of smiling, breathing, and being peace that we can make peace.
– Thich Nhat Hanh
Breathing is an essential part of being alive (not sure if you know this but without, you are a goner!) and something that requires no effort, since its automatic function. In fact, its almost as if we are “being breathed.” Have you ever had that sensation? It’s pretty cool. Do you know that being attentive to your breathing could help you in your business? Read on…
Some of the basics:
When we inhale, our diaphragm contracts and moves downwards to increase the space in our chest cavity, making our lungs expand. As this happens, air is sucked in through the nose and mouth. On the contrary, when we exhale, our diaphragm relaxes and moves upwards, which reduces the space on our chest cavity. As the space gets smaller, carbon dioxide-filled air is being forced out of our lungs, respectively out to our nose or mouth.
If we take time from our busy schedules to become aware of and listen to how we breathe, we will realize that the process is more than just letting air pass in and out of our system. Good breathing helps us listen to what our mind and body has to say; creating some ‘inner space” and allowing all that is around us to be more harmonious. It only takes a few moments but a few minutes can really do wonders for our stress level, for our peace of mind, therefore for our lives and businesses. If we take a few moments to focus entirely on our being-ness and the moment we are in, while sensing, watching and connecting to the breath we will notice a big difference in our state of mind. Its really the BEST thing to do when we have a stressful thought or negative emotions moving through us. Think about it, who do you want to do business with? The person who is calm, cool and collected or the stressed out, manic, negative person? Easy decision, right?
When we are one with our mind and body, we take command over the direction of our lives and therefore our business also falls under our command. We regain the personal power that we once lost from all the clutter and stress brought about by the unwanted outside and inside negative forces. When we achieve this, we become more alive, relaxed, energetic, and in harmony with the present moment; we become Aligned, In the Zone, In the Vortex. We are finally able to be gentle with ourselves, to pay more attention to the beauty around us, inside us and the wonderful gift that this moment has to offer. It gives us happiness and clarity – helping us grasp what is important in making decisions are most beneficial to us, our business, and to World as well.
So take time to listen to your mind, your body and your spirit by being aware of your breathe for a healthier, happier and more successful life and business.
I took a deep breath and listened to the old bray of my heart. I Am. I Am. I Am.
– Sylvia Plath
