Breathwork – Discovering the Divine Under Your Nose

Let's begin by noticing the very thing that you may have been missing. That which literally takes place under your nose. Your breath.

Take a moment now to notice how you’re breathing. Are you breathing through your nose or through the mouth? Where are you breathing – into your chest or down to your belly area? How does your body move as your breathe? How long are you breathing in for – short or long inhales? What happens at the top of your in-breath – do you pause or go straight into your exhale? Notice if your shoulders drop or hold tension? Spend a minute or two just paying attention and noticing your breath.

How did that feel? There’s no right or wrong here – we’re just noticing the breath.

When was the last time you took a moment to notice the breath? Chances are that like many of us you might not have turned your attention to the breath for some time, and the simple act of noticing will have felt calming and enjoyable.

For others noticing your breath might have brought a feeling of breathlessness or tension. Sometimes, our breath holds the tension that our minds or bodies haven't processed yet. This is your body's way of speaking; it’s an invitation to explore further what the breath can teach you.

Paying attention to the breath is the first step.

We breathe every moment of our lives, yet we rarely pay attention to it – and often take it for granted. As a result we remain unaware of its potential to heal, transform, and awaken us.

Just noticing the breath can be a significant first step. Whether its during prayer, meditation, your sit spot, or as you put the kettle on – the simple act of paying attention to the breath is a tool to connecting with ourselves and the divine.

In many cultures the breath is considered to be a bridge between our inner and outer worlds, the link that connects our mind, body, and spirit. In Hebrew (Ruach) and Greek (Pneuma), the word for "breath" is the same as the word for “Spirit." When we breathe, we aren't just taking in oxygen; we are participating in an ancient rhythm that has sustained seekers for millennia. We could see it as the physical manifestation of the Divine presence already within us.

Breathwork: from meditation anchor to emotional release

At its simplest the breath can be our anchor point in meditation and prayer. In this way it can often provide an immediate, felt experience of peace and an "embodied" connection.

We can take things further, exploring a variety of techniques around what is known as ‘Breathwork’. These use the breath as a more active meditation tool, using the breath to release tension from the body and nervous system. Helping ground us back into the body, turning down the frantic mind and thoughts. This can include an intentional, active, flowing pattern of breath, allowing us to tap into profound states of presence and connection.

One such technique is called Conscious Connected Breathing. It helps regulate our nervous systems and can prepare the way for the release of physical and emotional tension, tapping into the body’s innate ability to release stored trauma, reduce stress, and foster a sense of peace.

Working with the breath in this way has much to offer those exploring spiritual direction. For example, sometimes we talk to avoid feeling – and breathwork can help get us out of our heads and into our bodies, helping us to then be able to sit with the big questions or difficult emotions. Breathwork can also bring about a greater sense of focus and allow clarity to emerge. So the answer really could be under your nose.

Noticing the breath is the first step in the journey with breathwork, and we’ll be taking things further in future blog posts. They’ll also be online Breathwork courses or group sessions coming up. Join our newsletter to explore further and for details of upcoming sessions.