Definition: the air taken into or expelled from the lungs. The power of breathing; life.

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Quote: "Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts."

~ Thich Naht Hanh 

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Science: Exchange of oxygen & carbon dioxide in the lungs. During this exchange the cells repair and cleanse the body. The diaphragm lowers on the inhale and raises on the exhale. The muscles of the neck, shoulders and back are all involved. Breathing is part of the autonomic nervous system as it controls heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. The autonomic nervous system has 2 branches the sympathetic (fight/flight) and the parasympathetic (rest, relax and digest). What's incredible is that by consciously breathing and alternating your breathing patterns, you can immediately change your nervous system.

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Application: With your back straight and shoulders relaxed, inhale through your nose. As you inhale, your belly expands. Exhale through your nose. On the exhale, your belly contracts.

Click on the link to view a sample of 1 cycle of conscious breathing.

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