The Art of the Breath

The Art of the Breath

Breathe in. Breathe out. Over 23,000 breaths per day performed automatically. Breathing is something we do without conscious thought, and yet it is vitally important to life. Breath began life. "Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being." (Genesis 2:7 AMPC) God breathed into man and gave him the gift of life. Over 23,000 times a day we engage in this divine exchange, and receive the gift of life all over again. 

This movement of breath in our bodies is a channel of divine conversation. It is a prayer without words that can shift our awareness to God within us and around us. In the stillness with Him, breathe in, 2, 3, 4 and out, 2, 3, 4. Holy Spirit brings our mortal bodies to life and testifies with our own spirit, assuring us that we are children of God. Therefore, the breath also moves us into resting in Truth. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He offers us rest through the breath, and it benefits every dimension of who we are - body, soul, and spirit. 

So the question becomes, "Can life be extended by slowing down the breath?" Instead of sixteen breaths per minute, what if the autonomic nervous system were trained to take twelve, ten, or even eight breaths per minute? We know that this system speeds up in times of stress, and stress deteriorates the body faster. Reason would suggest that slowing the breath could extend life. The movement of breath in our bodies delivers vital oxygen for restoration, rejuvenation, healing, mental clarity, circulation, energy, and so much more!

Transfiguration of the body starts in the mind. Perhaps we first need a deeper revelation and new perspective of the breath we have been given by God. This divine exchange that is taking place without words gives new meaning to prayer and meditation. Take a moment to breathe in slowly, 2, 3, 4, and out 2, 3, 4. 

Susan Fleming Spissman is a licensed mental health therapist, and CEO of Heaven to Earth LLC, which equips women to achieve more without living exhausted. She is an internationally recognized best-selling author, and host of "Faith First Leader" podcast. You can connect with Susan at www.heaventoearthllc.com