HEALTHY MIND

BREATHING THAT PURIFIES AND ENERGIZES

By Ryan C. Lowe T he life cycle begins and ends with breathing, from the first cry exiting the womb to the last dying breath as the body shuts down. In between, the life-sustaining act of taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide is an unconscious, instinctive action. For example, holding your breath during a gruesome scene in a horror movie or in a severe stressful situation is equally instinctive.

Jack Fontana, a Breathwork Specialist believes that oxygenating the body is something we should not take for granted. He explained that “when we focus on our breathing, we have the opportunity to reduce and release the anxiety and stress built up in our lives, without the need for medication.” We want to take in as much oxygen as possible and by utilizing the Conscious Connected Breathing technique, we can learn to maintain the flow of inhaling and exhaling and breathe in a natural unbroken rhythm.

WHAT IS CONSCIOUS CONNECTED BREATHING?

Recognized by all types of medical practitioners, Conscious Connected Breathing is a safe and effective natural healing technique that opens a path to self-awareness, self-acceptance and self-love. Based on thousands of years of yogic and related teachings, this type of breathing improves your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being.

HOW DOES IT WORK? Under the guidance of a specialist, you learn focused breathwork, a method that brings up stored suppressions, fears or past experiences to the surface. Fontana tells us that “as subconscious physical, emotional and spiritual experiences enter the conscious awareness, we can relax into and accept whatever, wherever and however it is happening.” If we take the time to become aware of our sensations, bring our fears to the surface and allow ourselves to be free in those moments, we can become truly present. By doing this, Fontana says, “we find acceptance as we move through fear and find more love for ourselves.”

Fontana believes the power is right under our noses. “Each of us is capable of the Conscious Connected Breathing process, allowing us to use the energy of our cellular memory for letting go and finding the joy of life,” he said.

Conscious Connected Breathing helps people:

• Take responsibility for their lives • Accepting themselves and their past experiences • Finding a real connection to their breath • Letting go of past hurts • Increasing their willingness to go through fear • Enhancing their sense of peace and relaxation