Breathwork and the Breath of Spring

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Breathwork is a practice that involves conscious control of your breathing to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. “Breath of Spring” is a poetic term that suggests a rejuvenating and revitalising experience, and breathwork can indeed be a powerful tool for achieving this sense of renewal. Here are some breathwork exercises and techniques that can help you tap into the life-affirming energy of spring:

Deep Belly Breathing

• Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit or lie down.
• Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen.
• Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your diaphragm to expand. Feel your abdomen rise as you breathe in.
• Exhale slowly and completely through your mouth, feeling your abdomen fall.
• Continue this deep belly breathing for several minutes, focusing on the sensation of your breath and allowing it to calm your mind and energise your body.

Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana)

• Sit in a comfortable position with your spine straight.
• Use your right thumb to close off your right nostril and inhale deeply through your left nostril.
• Close your left nostril with your right ring finger and release your right nostril, exhaling through it.
• Inhale through your right nostril, then close it and release the left nostril, exhaling through it.
• Continue this alternate nostril breathing for a few minutes, balancing the flow of energy in your body and promoting mental clarity.

Box Breathing

• Sit or lie down comfortably.
• Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of four.
• Hold your breath for a count of four.
• Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of four.
• Hold your breath again for a count of four.
• Repeat this box breathing pattern for several rounds. It can help reduce stress, increase focus, and bring a sense of balance.

Energising Breath of Fire

• Sit in a comfortable position with your spine straight and your hands on your knees.
• Take a few deep breaths to centre yourself.
• Inhale deeply through your nose, then forcefully exhale through your nose in quick, rhythmic bursts.
• Keep the breaths short and rapid, like a series of sniffing breaths.
• Continue this breath of fire for 1-3 minutes, feeling the energy and vitality it brings.

Guided Visualisation with Breath

• Find a quiet space and close your eyes.
• Take several deep breaths to relax.
• Imagine yourself in a beautiful springtime meadow, surrounded by blooming flowers and vibrant greenery.
• As you inhale, envision yourself drawing in the fresh, revitalising energy of spring.
• As you exhale, release any tension, worries, or stagnant energy.
• Continue this visualisation for as long as you like, feeling the rejuvenating effects of spring within you.

These breathwork exercises can be incorporated into your daily routine to help you tap into the life-affirming energy of spring, whether you’re looking to reduce stress, increase vitality, or connect with the changing seasons on a deeper level.

If you want to read about the differences between breathwork and meditation, click here. Remember to tag us in pictures of you practising this technique on Instagram @surrender_to_happiness. And if you’d like to cement this practice into your daily rituals, look at our blog ‘Introducing daily rituals into your life.’

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