Do You Know Your Life's Story Arc and The Breath It Breathes?

Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/emotional-mojo-coach/do-you-know-your-lifes-story-arc-and-the-breath-it-breathes

The four-part breath cycle, also known as the "complete breath," can be likened to a story arc, and its connection to the story of our lives is rich with metaphorical and practical significance. As a Special Education teacher and Yoga teacher, it becomes evident that all of life mimics our lifecycles, the vicissitudes and our breath is the link to all that is.

BEGINNING (Inhale) - Receive         

Introduction: The breath begins with the inhalation, where we take in air, similar to how a story begins by introducing characters, settings, and themes. It's the moment of receiving and gathering resources.

Building Tension: Just as a story builds tension as it progresses, the inhalation gathers energy and prepares for what is to come.

 MIDDLE PAUSE  (Pause after Inhale) - Integrate        

Rising Action: This pause represents the moment of integration and preparation. It's akin to the rising action in a story, where events and characters develop, leading towards a climax.

Preparation: Here, the breath prepares the body for what follows, balancing and integrating the received energy.

END (Exhale ) - Release        

Climax: The exhalation signifies release and letting go, much like the climax in a story where tensions are resolved, and transformations occur.

Resolution: As we exhale, we release carbon dioxide and toxins, symbolizing the resolution phase where lessons are learned and growth occurs.

PAUSE (After Exhale- Sustain Breath Out) Rest Phase - Reflect        

Falling Action: This phase mirrors the falling action in a story, where the protagonist reflects on the journey and all its outcomes.

Rest and Reflect: It's a moment of rest and reflection before the cycle begins anew, once again, where insights are gained and groundwork laid for the next beginning inhalation.

The Value Our Breath Brings to the Story of Our Life:

Awareness and Presence: Our breath is a constant companion throughout life, as it anchors us to the present moment. When we focus on our breath, we cultivate mindful presence and are better able to deepen our awareness of the unfolding story of our lives.

Emotional Regulation: Just as breath can calm us during a stressful moment, it also plays a crucial role in how we are better able to flow through the emotional peaks and valleys of our life's narrative. It helps us navigate challenges with greater equanimity and resilience.

Integration of Experiences: Just as the complete breath cycle integrates inhalation and exhalation, linked by a suspended pause-- our life's story integrates diverse experiences—the rasas -flavors life offers- the complete palette of experience whether joy, sorrow, growth, anger, disgust, even setbacks—into a cohesive narrative that shapes our identity and purpose.

Transformation and Growth: Each breath cycle, with its phases of reception, integration, release, and reflection, mirrors the continuous process of personal growth and transformation. It reminds us that change is a "constant' and that we have the capacity to evolve through each cycle of life.

In essence, this four-part breath cycle serves as a powerful metaphor for the narrative arc of our lives. It teaches us that every moment—whether in the inhalation of new experiences, the integration of lessons learned, the release of burdens, or the reflective pause—is an integral part of our personal story. When we embrace the value of our breath it can also mean we can accept the gift to embrace the richness and depth of our own personal journey.