The Power of Breath
Dr. Frances Penafort, Ph.D, MCC
Author, "I'll Never Walk Alone" I International Keynote Speaker I Coach that Changes Lives I Mentor & Supervisor with Incisive Feedback I Passionate Teacher I Educator-Partner in Continuous Learning
Breathing is a simple action which has been underrated by me. I have assumed it to be automatic and effortless and did not need any special attention from me. What triggered my focus was a 21-Day Meditation program which I embarked on during this period of Work-From-Home. An integral part of this program comprised acknowledging my breath, which piqued my curiosity and led me to an exploration of ‘what else’ about my breath.
An initial discovery was that my first breath signals the beginning of my life and my last breath will signal the end of my life. Everything in between is determined by the quality of breath as it is the ‘life force’ needed to support growth of every cell and tissue in my body. I learnt that by managing the quality of my breath, I can have control over my mind, my body and my nervous system, instead of moving into auto-pilot mode. How do I do this?
According to Lucas Rockwood in his TED Talk, “Change your Breath, Change your Life”, he explained that by focussing on a ‘balance’ breath of 4 counts inhalation and 4 counts exhalation many times throughout the day, we are cajoling our mind, body and parasympathetic nervous system to relax and come back to the present, instead of reminiscing the past or worrying about the unknown future. Additionally, according to Thich Nhat Hanh, the famous Buddhist monk who is affectionately called “Father of Mindfulness”, shares that when we induce this state of being present, we are stimulating a state of higher awareness and a sense of spaciousness and openness where new possibilities can be created.
As a coach, I acknowledge the powerful impact of my breath. I realise that to be present with the right level of curiosity with my client (ICF Core Competency #5-maintaining presence by embracing everything around), and to listen actively and ask powerful questions (ICF Core Competency #6-listening actively for values, beliefs, emotions), I need to be conscious of my breath and keep it at a ‘balanced’ state. This awareness has encouraged me to breathe, pause and “be grateful for the air that is filling my lungs and making my life possible”, as advocated by Deepak Chopra.
#coaching#ICF#Corecompetency#powerofbreath#sourceoflife#energy
Empowering firms with NLP, Strategy, and Change Management expertise.
4yThanks for this powerful article, Frances. I agree with you 💯!!! This reminds me of Eckhart Tolle’s Practicing the Power of NOW! Truly too many of us go back a little too much into the past (to that which we can no longer change) and at the same time also be too overly anxious of the future (that which we may not be able to step into, in the event we do breathe our last breath the very next instant). I am also reminded of what’s in the Holy Scriptures, as written in Psalm 46:10 - He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” In “being still”, focus on our breathing, one becomes conscious of the omnipresence of God and it then helps us live our lives in proper perspective. Live in the PRESENT! Live life in Him; Touch Lives for Him!! Thanks for your powerful reminder and exhortation! Amen!😇
Applications Implementor at Tzoetc Associates Sdn Bhd
4yI Love your article, Frances Yes, I also tend to take breathing for granted And great teachers are reminding us to be mindful of this "life force" Thanks again for sharing
education at Chempaka PJ
4yIndeed, breath is a life wire to our soul.
Master Certified Coach ICF; Transpersonal Coach for Coaches & Business Leaders; Coach Mentor & Supervisor; Coach Trainer
4yA wonderful article Frances, thank you. I really love how you've connected the power of the conscious breath to the ICF Competencies - spot on!
Regional Consultant at Regional One
4yMay your life lead you to breath in peaceful places.