Beneficial Eastern Approaches

BENEFICIAL EASTERN APPROACHES
Sheri Smith
March 15, 2016

There exist some Eastern philosophies that embrace the idea that the number of breaths each of us will breath in our lifetime is preordained and that once we have expended those breaths our number is up. To that end, the practice of slow, deep breathing is utilized to extend the length of time we have before our time in this realm comes to an end. I don't know how much truth there is in that ideal, but I do know this.

Since taking up yoga, where I first learned how to breathe with purpose and mindfulness, I’ve gained a new-found appreciation for the effect a slow, deep breath has on me. Even if it doesn't extend my lease on life, it's allowed me to extend the enjoyment of those moments that bring me joy - and to refrain from holding my breath through the ones that stress me out. Maybe, in the end, that is what that Eastern philosophy is all about.

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