Use This Ancient Tool To Master Your Mind

Monk meditating

The breath is the only thing that is with us from the moment we come into this world until we die. It is deeply connected with our feelings and emotions.

Original post by: Karolin Wanner | Change Your Mind Change Your Life

When you are out of breath, you are exhausted.

When somebody takes your breath away, you are stunned.

When you breathe calmly, you are at peace.

Our breath is connected to everything. If we can learn to use it as a tool to master our minds, we will master life. Your breath is the gateway to focus, calm, peace, and success.

The more you listen to your breath, the more you can hear the voice of your soul. — Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati

Sounds too simple? The answers to our questions and struggles do not always have to be difficult. Sometimes the answer is right in front of our eyes and we just have to grab it.

Breathwork is available to anybody around the world for free. It might be the greatest tool to change this world for the better with the power of mindfulness.

Here is all you need to know to access this powerful ancient tool to master your mind and increase your contentment and fulfillment.

Breathwork and Science

You are breathing about 15,000 times during the time you are awake. 15,000 opportunities to be at peace. 15,000 opportunities to protect your brain and emotional health.

Focusing on your breath is the easiest way of meditation. It soothes harmful effects of the stressful lives we are living in the 21st century.

Science is only catching up with understanding why this ancient tool is so powerful. A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience confirmed that inhaling through the mouth increases our brain activity and our ability to remember more objects.

Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts. — Thich Nhat Hanh

How Buddha Taught Breathing

It is incredible that we still have the original instructions of how buddha taught breathing to his followers over 2.500 years ago.

2560They are written in the Anapanasati sutta. Anapanasati stands for mindful breathing and aims to cultivate your mind to stay at peace. It’s available for everybody here.

Buddha and his followers were sitting in a forest under a tree.

He asked them to mindfully observe their breath.

Notice how you inhale and exhale. Focusing on your breath will anchor your mind. Nothing can distract it and you find comfort and peace.

Mindful Breathing
GIF created by the author in Canva

Every time a thought is pulling on your mind, bring your attention back to your breath. Your breath is your anchor.

Conscious breathing is my anchor. — Thich Nhat Hanh

Now move from passive breathing to active breathing. Become the creator of your breath. As a beginner, this can be hard. If your mind wanders, don’t worry. This is normal. Start counting how long you inhale and exhale to help you focus.

This is the short version of the Anapanasati meditation which is ideal for beginners. According to the buddha practicing mindful breathing will enhance the connection to your body, improve your emotional and mental self-regulation and boost focus and self-mastery.

Everything we chase so hard like productivity and flow states (eating fancy superfoods and adding CBD oils to gummy bears) we can find in our breath.

Life is simple if you want it to be.

Still not convinced? Do you think Buddha was a fool? Have faith in his teachings and believe in yourself. The process is simple, but it is extremely hard to execute consistently.

Next time you look for the next big hack to master your life, think about your breath. You have the most powerful tool right there with you wherever you go.

Take a deep breath and experience the power of mindful breathing to master yourself.

Breathing in, I calm my body and mind.

Breathing out. I smile.

Dwelling in the present moment,

I know this is the only moment.

— Thich Nhat Hanh

Try it here and now and let me know in the comments how it makes you feel.

Thanks for reading. You can get more actionable advice and inspiration about mindfulness in my newsletter. Each email will guide you to live a happier life in the here and now. Sign up here.

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