Why Kids Should Learn to Breath Before Spelling.
Today marks 100 days of daily breathwork practice, a personal journey from skepticism to advocacy for the power of breath. As a leader, emotional regulation was a struggle for me, with my emotions often visibly overwhelming me for everyone to see. Advice to "just breathe" seemed overly simplistic, if not dismissive, until it transformed my life.
James Nestor's book "Breath" began my exploration into the art of breathing, leading me to tape my mouth at night and delve into pranayama through a workshop with The Art of Living. My practice now combines five breathing techniques, showcasing the importance of personalised breath practice.
Through this journey, several truths have emerged for me:
Breathing is a Lost Art: In a modern world that undervalues the act of breathing, teaching proper techniques from a young age could revolutionise our approach to health and well-being.
The Perils of Mouth Breathing: Our contemporary lifestyle promotes mouth breathing, with serious consequences for our health.
The Crucial Role of CO2: Contrary to popular belief, carbon dioxide is vital for oxygen absorption, highlighting the importance of balanced breathing practices.
The Universal Benefits of Breathing Techniques: despite their diverse origins, all breathing practices share common benefits, including stress reduction, improved sleep, and enhanced physical and mental performance.
The Importance of Personalisation: Finding your unique breathing "prescription" is key to experiencing the full benefits of breathwork.
Breathing’s Interconnectedness: “Breath" underscores the link between breathing and overall health, aligning with my holistic approach to coaching that addresses the body and mind in unison.
As I look forward to integrating breathwork into my coaching practice, my personal desire is to simply share and highlight the transformative power of breath, in a hope that I can inspire one other person, just as I was inspired when I first read "Breath". I truly believe that reclaiming control over this fundamental physiological function can significantly enhance our physical, mental, and emotional health.
So, the next time your emotions threaten to overwhelm, remember the power of a few deep breaths. Not only can this simple act buy you time, but it also stimulates the vagus nerve, promoting a return to equilibrium and enabling cognitive re-engagement. In a world that often prioritises intellectual achievement, perhaps it's time to recognise the foundational skill of breathing as essential, if not more so, than traditional academic skills like spelling?
Controversial, maybe. Beneficial, definitely.
Dag
