Breathe: The Non-Negotiable Foundation for True Growth
Happy Sunday <3
Have you ever heard me saying to you, "Breathe..."? Here's why.
It's a simple directive, often given in moments of overwhelm, tension, or when we're diving deep into inner work. And it's not just a suggestion; it's a profound invitation to unlock a fundamental power within you.
As we transition into July, I've been reflecting on something truly fundamental that underpins all the transformative work we have done in June โ from embracing our inner child to dismantling those stubborn limiting beliefs. It's about all the identity transformation (change) work we do.
It's something we do thousands of times a day without a second thought, yet it holds the key to profound change:
our breath.
Think about it: when you're stressed, worried, or stuck in old patterns, how does your body feel? Tense, right? Shoulders up, jaw clenched, stomach tight. In that state of tension, it's incredibly difficult to relax, truly rest, or let go of what no longer serves you. It's like trying to navigate a complex maze while holding your breath.
Transformation, which is simply change, is only genuinely possible when your body and mind are relaxed.
This isn't just a "nice to have"; it's a physiological truth. Your breath directly influences your autonomic nervous system, which has two main branches:
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The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS): This is your 'fight or flight' response. It gears you up for action, increasing heart rate, muscle tension, and alertness. It's vital for emergencies but can become overactive in modern life.
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The Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS): This is your 'rest and digest' mode. It calms you down, lowers heart rate, promotes relaxation, and aids digestion and recovery.
When we're stressed or overwhelmed, our breathing often becomes shallow and rapid, inadvertently telling our body to stay in 'fight or flight.' But here's the powerful part: by intentionally shifting our breath, we can consciously activate our 'rest and digest' system.
This means that by focusing on your breath, you're not just taking air in and out; you're actively creating the physiological state necessary to relax, release tension, truly rest, and step into deeper work โ like the Inner Child work and exploring limiting beliefs we've done in group coaching. Breath literally opens the door to profound transformation.
Functional breathing is your superpower!
It helps you think clearer, feel calmer, sleep better, and even move with more ease. It's a direct line to reducing stress and boosting your energy. On the flip side, dysfunctional breathing can unknowingly contribute to tension, anxiety, and fatigue.
So, how can you tap into this power, even for a moment, right now?
Let's practice!
The "Pause & Breathe" Moment:
Before your next sip of coffee, or the moment before you answer a phone call, simply take one slow, intentional breath. Feel your belly gently rise as you inhale for 3-4 seconds, and gently fall as you exhale for 3-4 seconds. That's it. Notice the subtle shift. That simple act is you, consciously activating your body's relaxation response.
Tense and Release:
Next time you feel a knot of tension (in your shoulders, jaw, or anywhere), try this: Inhale deeply as you tense that specific muscle group as tightly as you can for 3-5 seconds. Then, with a long, slow exhale, completely release the tension, letting it melt away. This teaches your body the powerful contrast of active relaxation.
Inhale Possibility, Exhale Worries:
This tool works instantly on emotions and thoughts. As you inhale, visualize drawing in feelings of relaxation, energy, and inner space. As you exhale, consciously release any judgment or worries you're holding onto. Imagine them simply floating away with your breath.
It's important to know that many different breathing modalities exist, each with unique benefits.
Through my Wellness Vortex framework, we're focusing on the fundamental approach to functional breathing โ the efficient, natural way your body is designed to breathe for optimal health.
This small, non-negotiable habit, 'I FOCUS ON QUALITY OF MY BREATH", is your gateway to greater calm throughout the day, better sleep at night, and the inner spaciousness required for true, lasting transformation.
๐ค Ready for More Inner Work?
If you're ready to proceed with your inner work, curious about connecting your breath to even deeper transformation, or want personalized support in releasing old patterns, I invite you to:
๐ Connect with me privately: Let's talk about where you are on your journey and how personalized coaching or fitness training can support your unique path to a powerful life. Connect with me >>
๐ Join our Power Club Wellness Community: The "Months of Celebration" might be over, and while the on-demand free offers will be closing soon, our Power Club Wellness Community will remain absolutely FREE! This is where we continue to build powerful habits together. Protein challenge is coming up! Join Power Club >>
- Want a small private group? Apply here >>
๐ Transform your fitness with my online functional fitness classes! We kick off a brand new routine every week, offering convenient live sessions for all levels Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:15-7:45 AM CST, plus dedicated Level 1 (limited mobility) sessions Tuesday and Thursday from 3-3:20 PM CST. In both my functional fitness classes and my Proper Posture course, I emphasize the power of proper breathing during exercise to enhance your performance, endurance, and overall well-being. FYI, group fitness is free when you join VIP group coaching. Jump in and make proper fitness a consistent part of your life!
๐๏ธ July Events!
Woohooo! Mid-Year!
๐ธ "From Critic to Cheerleader: Making Compassion Your Superpower" with a guest speaker Rita Desnoyers-Garcia. FRee. June 30th. 7 PM CST. RSVP here >>
๐ธ Nurturing the Inner Child through Nutrition. July focus in group coaching. Fees apply. Apply here >>
๐ธ Tea With Me. July 2nd. 4 PM CST. Free. RSVP here >>
๐ธ 7-Day Protein Challenge. July 7 - 13th. Free.
๐ธ "Which diet is the best for me?" member training. Free. TBD.
๐ธ "Why I love Shaklee" webinar. Free. TBD.
๐ธ "How to build consistency in healthy habits: discover the power of Wellness Vortex". Free training. TBD.
๐ Note: If you can't open the links above, you may need to join our FREE Power Club wellness community or log in to your existing account.
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โค๏ธโ๐ฅOn a Final Note
Remember, self-care is non-negotiable; the methods are flexible. Taking even 1a few awareness moments each day for yourself, especially to cultivate conscious breath, is a powerful act of love.
You've got this!
Yours, in power and deep breathing!
"Own Your Health to Own Your Life."
Nadya Nemova-Tatsch
Your health, life, nutrition coach, personal trainer, author of "My Power Journal", and wellness empowerment speaker.
Creator of the Wellness Vortex Habit Change Model.
Top 50 in the U.S. and Canada (Alignable).
P.S. If this message resonated with you, please share it with someone you feel needs to hear this today.
P.P.S. Tak to me.
Own Your Health to Own Your Life
Sunday Reflections, and beyond
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