Intertwined, meditation and breathing techniques have occurred for centuries. Early forms of meditation are referenced as far back as the 3rd and 6th century BC and linked to the Daoist, Laozi, an ancient Chinese philosopher, and his writings.
When the coronavirus pandemic began people turned to a new lifestyle while being stuck at home. Trapped in, many folks ate healthier homemade food options and looked for ways to improve their health. Meditation and deep breathing became a new way of life for some. In my case it was integrated into my exercise routine which must have gone hand in hand with going to bed earlier to adjust and recover my sleep patterns. My circadian genes pointed me in the right direction, as waking up early gave me the incentive to practice.
With so many demands on our time and minds, it takes conscious effort to take a moment and allow ourselves the time we need to explore who we truly are. Even when we do make time, many people are stuck on how to actually do this. As a consequence, the practice of meditation has certainly been recognized as a method that can help. It helps change mood to strengthen the mind. Finding a quiet spot to switch off and get the treatment deserved is a must!
A Japanese monk, Dosho, discovered Zen on a visit to China in 653 and introduced the practice of meditation to Japan upon his return to the country, opening the first hall for meditation. The practice grew significantly in Japan from the 8th century AC onward, bringing the practice of meditation with it. Since then, it spread all around the world.
Add breathing to meditation and a whole new dimension opens its door. Some people think meditation is concentrating on something intensely and excluding everything else. It can be, but then I use it to write my early morning blogs as it helps concentration, spirituality, and a greater level of ability. Coupled to deep breathing in sync allows me to benefit more greatly. I even add stretching which brings it all together.
Having never studied the subject allowed me to experiment and feel the deep vibes that pair, as usually I put on my headphones and listen to some really cool whilst enlightening music. This combination allows me connect to the other side. However, I won’t go on about that detail, as for everyone it must be different. Each and every one of us will benefit in different ways. The key is to open the door and begin the journey to the other side that brings heavenly showering’s of hope and purpose.
Incidentally, deep breathing helps in so many ways like reducing blood pressure, opening arteries and allowing the blood to flow more freely. It even helps bring nitric oxide into the capillaries which feeds muscle, and if on a resistance exercise schedule, you’ll get more out of your training. In other words, it helps shift your body’s composition to that of a dry flower which needs watering. We all need good quality nourishment, so coupled to a healthy diet then utopia could be around the corner.
Of course, there is more to it than meets the eye, but what I can tell you is balance is key. Treat your body like a shrine and blessings will become more apparent day after day, the immune system will strengthen, and your outlook will only get better.
Take care!
Prof. Carl Boniface
Vocabulary builder:
Intertwined (adj) = tangled, entwined, entangled, knotted, (ant) free
Stuck (adj) = wedged, fixed, trapped, caught, (ant) loose. Also, from the verb to stick present, stuck past, stuck past participle.
Circadian Genes = Core circadian 'clock' genes are defined as genes whose protein products are necessary components for the generation and regulation of circadian rhythms.
Nitric Oxide = appears to help your body dilate and constrict your blood vessels. This can improve your blood pressure and therefore your heart health. Exercise and muscle performance. Nitric oxide may be correlated to a slight improvement in physical performance.
Meets the eye (idiom) = To be visible or noticeable. Perhaps most commonly used in the saying "more than meets the eye."