This goes without saying, but breathing is very important. It is something you must do constantly, day and night, in order to exist. It is, you might say, the most essential force of life.

Still, most people don't really give breathing much thought. They take it for granted. This is a mistake. You should consciously pay attention to how you are breathing. Tantrics believe that mastering the breath is akin to mastering the mind and spirit. Focusing on your breathing forces you to become more centered, to grow more attuned to your body and your environment.

Most people use only a small portion of their lung capacity. The biggest mistake many people make when it comes to breathing is taking quick, shallow breaths. It is much more beneficial to our physical and mental health to take deep, slow breaths.

Pranayama

In yoga, breathing is so important that there is an entire art devoted to it. This is called pranayama. Prana, or breath, is what unites body, mind, and consciousness. It is the movement of awareness. The goal of pranayama is to help the practitioner achieve calmness and focus. It is also believed to help increase vitality, promote good health, and lead to a long life.

Ayurveda and Breath

Ayurveda is a system of medicine and healing that can be traced back to ancient India. It is sometimes referred to as the “science of life” because it addresses all aspects of a healthy lifestyle and how that is impacted by nature and your environment. Ayurveda teaches that breath is the physical manifestation of our emotions; that is, your emotions directly affect your breathing patterns. In order to have better control, or ayam, over your breathing and thus your emotions, practice pranayama, or controlled breathing.