Breathing is Bliss

Dear Patients & Friends,

In all my travels around the world studying spirituality and personal growth, I've observed many different ways that teachers instruct their students to relax or rejuvenate themselves. HOWEVER, there is one constant that I've observed that unifies most teachers and their teachings when it comes to be healthier, happier or holier: controlled breathing.

I grew up in a family that is genetically predisposed towards depression. In fact, there have been two suicides in my family because of severe depression. The number one technique that prevents me from needing medication and allows me to handle stressful situations, is my ability to quickly breathe in a repetitive pattern that consistently relaxes me.

For some of you it may sound like I'm exaggerating when I say breathing is Bliss.

But for me, whenever I sense that I'm losing control - which is way more than I prefer it admit - it's deeply calming for me to know in that instant, I can do something that always softens my mental and muscular contraction reactions to stress.

The Benefits of Breathing

Thankfully, breathing is regulated by your involuntary autonomic nervous system, so that don't so that you don't have to think about breathing - your innately intelligent body takes care of this for you. Equally marvelous is that breathing can also be controlled voluntarily, whenever you consciously decide to do so.

When you can calm yourself down by breathing, you can minimize your brains reaction to stress. This is so important because your brain, if left to its own wise devices, will immediately secrete hormones like cortisol and adrenaline that create the "fight or flight" reaction.

What this means to you is that you won't be in the right condition to effectively deal with stress because your blood pressure will be going up, your muscles will get tighter, your organs will become inflamed and you won't be up to think clearly.

Learn Simple Ways to Control Your Stress

At the upcoming monthly yoga and meditation Intensive, the main theme will be about using specific ways of breathing that will allow you lower, maintain or raise your energy in under a minute.

The class is on Tuesday, October 16 (6:30 - 8:30 PM), and is limited to 8 people. It's open to patients, their guests, and the general public.

True,

Dr. Mark

To learn more about the Intensive, click here.

To register for the Intensive click here.

Dr Matt Coverage dates this fall - Dr. Matt will be here Friday, October 26th