Just Breathe!

Today in my quiet time God began to speak to me about BE-ing.  After all, we are not human do-ings, but human be-ings.  As a child who was raised to constantly DO, I really desired to know what God meant by just be-ing.  What He showed me was that everything begins with the breath. As I reflected on what I know about breathing.  I knew that whenever I attend a yoga class it focuses a lot on breathing but I wondered what science and the Bible had to say about the subject.

What Scripture says about breath

I found the answer in Genesis, the book of beginnings.

“The earth was formless and void or a waste and emptiness, and darkness was upon the face of the deep [primeval ocean that covered the unformed earth]. The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters.” – Gen 1:2

The word for Spirit in this opening chapter of the Bible is Ruach.  The Hebrew Ruach means “wind,” “breath,” or “spirit.” The word Ruach is found almost 400 times in the Old Testament.

“Then the Lord God formed [that is, created the body of man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being [an individual complete in body and spirit].” – Gen 2:7 AMP

As I reflected further I realized that my, and every other life, begins with our first breath. It also ends as we exhale our last breath.

Inspiration

It turns out that breath is also related to inspiration.

“The Spirit of God has made me,And the breath of the Almighty gives me life [which inspires me].” – Job 33:4

Scripture

Scripture itself is said to be “God-breathed”

” All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction…” –  2 Tim 3:16a

Impartation

When Jesus neared the end of His life and imparted them with the Holy Spirit using the breath.

“Then Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you [as My representatives].” And when He said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”  John 20-21-22 AMP

Praise

The book of Psalms tells us that everyone with breath should use it to praise

Let everything that has breath and every breath of life praise the Lord! – Psalm 150-6

The Amazing Health Benefits of Mindful Breathing

Breath has many functions in our body including supplying oxygen to the blood and removing carbon dioxide.  Chronic stress, however, has changed how we breathe. This has resulted in many of us breathing very shallow and short breathes which weakens our immune system and can lead to a host of health challenges including headaches, neck pain, and reduced memory.

Deep belly breathing, on the other hand,

• Stops the fight or flight stress response
• Activates the parasympathetic nervous system. 
• Initiates the relaxation response
• Reducing stress and inflammation,
• Slows the heart  rate
• Lowers blood pressure,
• Relaxes muscles

“Practicing a regular, mindful breathing exercise can be calming and energizing and can even help with stress-related health problems ranging from panic attacks to digestive disorders.”

Andrew Weil, M.D.

How to Do Deep Breathing

Here is a good practice from Dr. Andrew Weil M.D.

The 4-7-8 (or Relaxing Breath) Exercise

The 4-7-8 breathing exercise is utterly simple, takes almost no time, requires no equipment and can be done anywhere. Although you can do the exercise in any position, sit with your back straight while learning the exercise. Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth, and keep it there through the entire exercise. You will be exhaling through your mouth around your tongue; try pursing your lips slightly if this seems awkward.

1. Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound.
2. Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.
3. Hold your breath for a count of seven.
4. Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight.

This is one breath. Now inhale again and repeat the cycle three more times for a total of four breaths.

The amount of time is not important but the ratio is.  You can also breathe quietly if in public.

My Favorite

For years I have practiced a spiritual and emotional cleansing pattern of breathing.

1. Breath in all that is good. Breath in the Spirit and power of God.  Breathe in life, health and vitality.
2. Breath out (release) all that does not serve you and breath out stress.  Exhale frustration and resentment.  With your breath release anything that feels “yuky” in your life.

Summary

In my time with God today when I asked God what He meant by ‘just be’. I was surprised. Breathing is the essence of being.  Conscious breathing brings our awareness to the gift of life He has given us.

[tweetshare tweet=”So the next time you feel the stress rising, take a minute to stop doing and start being. Just b-r-e-a-t-h-e! – Brenda Byers” username=”n6tLZ@w3%KnTVUtQDYV7)izo9fyJuxVE:1:0″]

Today may the Ruach breath of God fill you, heal you and grant you His Perfect Peace

Praying YOU prosper in ALL things!

Brenda

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About the author

Brenda Byers is the founder of www.prosperinallthings.com and has built multi-million dollar companies and sales teams. She has mentored leaders from many walks of life. Coaching the spectrum from single moms and budding entrepreneurs to founders of corporations. Her private coaching clients increase their income exponentially while learning to live their bliss and serve their communities.  She believes God is the business partner of choice. She shares cutting edge science and spiritual wisdom that will set you free and your business soaring. Brenda is a highly sought out inspirational speaker and corporate trainer at conferences and retreats.

She recently released the Prosper by Design Coach Certification Program. A comprehensive, biblically-based, science-backed online and offline program to grow your faith, income, and influence! Develop confidence and a success mindset, hone your skills and experience lasting personal & business breakthrough. SCHEDULE with Brenda to see if coaching is right for you and take a FREE TOUR of the Prosper By Design Coaching Certification Program.