"Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts. Whenever your mind becomes scattered, use your breath as the means to take hold of your mind again." -Thich Nhat Hanh
Our minds and bodies are designed to go on autopilot. We don’t have to always be aware of everything around us and every move we make. In our daily routines, we know where things are in our bedrooms. We don’t need to remember every detail around us. Our bodies and minds generally go on autopilot when washing our faces, brushing our teeth, and going about our days. Similarly, when we walk, we don’t need to be fully aware that we need to put one foot in front of the other.
However, after we master walking, the only time we’re actually aware of walking is when we are mastering a deeper skill such as speed walking. There is a science and art to it.
Mindfulness meditation gives us a new perspective on breathing. It allows us to switch between autopilot and conscious awareness, which is a foundational tool within mindfulness and meditation.
From Autopilot to Anchored
A lot can go unnoticed while on autopilot. We forget where we put our keys, phones, and other items. We struggle to remember if we locked the door and how we got to our destinations while driving.
In the same manner, we often breathe without being fully aware of our breathing, which is one of the reasons the breath is a focal point of mindfulness meditation.
The breath is one of the only things happening within—and to—our bodies right here and now. When we’re not grounded in the present, we become unconscious of the length and origin of our breath, which has physiological effects on our minds, bodies, and emotions.
We need oxygen to live and breathe. Conscious breathing gives us the power to regulate our mind and bodies. With this awareness, we can better anchor ourselves in the present moment through our breath, which is fundamental, simple, and happening right now.
A sample exercise from MindfulText
The Power of the Present
Paying attention to the breath and all its effects in the present moment—and even its after effects—can be a powerful experience.
You get to notice and appreciate the power of your breath, which can be things on the macro-scale, like how it can reset your mental and physical state. Through this simple yet complex practice, you can feel calmer and even improve physically.
It can also be things on the micro-scale, like how it can help re-energize your cells by giving more oxygen to your body.
This practice can help you notice and appreciate things that you didn’t notice or appreciate before. We begin to notice how much our bodies and lives depend on it, and how much we have to be grateful for.
Slowing down and taking time to pay attention to the body, thoughts in the mind and surroundings is a great way to be grounded in the moments that make up your life.
It’s important to stay present and clear because doing so may change your experience of life, relationships, and perhaps even your life trajectory.
Key Takeaway
Focusing on the breath is a foundational tool within mindfulness and meditation. It is one of the most effective practices for focusing on the present moment. This anchoring gives us the platform to have more control over our lives.