Mindful Buteyko breathing exercises

Quotes and Insights

“No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it” – Albert Einstein

“The range of what we think and do is limited by what we fail to notice” – R D Laing

“We ask for the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference” – Serenity Prayer

“We don’t receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no-one can take for us or spare us” – Marcel Proust

“The connection between science and happiness is meditation” – Dalai Lama

What is Mindfulness?

“Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the moment and non-judgmentally” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

“What surprises me most is “Man”, because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he doesn’t enjoy the present; The result being he doesn’t live in the present or the future; He lives as if he’s never going to die, and then he dies having never really lived.” – Dalai Lama

“Mindfulness is an aspect of Meditation. In mindfulness, we are choosing to let go of the illusion that we have control!” – Liana Taylor

“People using Mindfulness tools consequently develop greater self-acceptance, self-awareness, and clarity of mind, leading to a sustained inner ability to counter depression, negative thought, and behaviour patterns, and stress. Mindfulness also creates neurobiological changes in the brain correlated with increased positive emotion and improved immune function. Mindfulness awareness practices also lead to an increased blood flow, also facilitate an increased capacity for the forming of intention and the control of attention” – Liana Taylor

“Insight comes when our minds are ready. This must be why when during moments of crisis they are often times of great spiritual development. The loss of a job, the death of a loved one, an illness, the acknowledgment of addiction, divorce. These can all be cognitively disorienting occasions that carry the potential to disrupt old habits of mind and open us to see new ways of being. These are often times when uncertainty, not knowing, and humility are thrust upon us. If we are wise and attentive to these critical times they can be gifts of great value”. – Professor Mark Muesse, PhD

What role does Mindfulness play in carrying out Buteyko Breathing exercises?

“By being aware of your thoughts, but not engaging with them, and by focusing on your breath and on the sounds you hear while meditating you can minimize intrusive thoughts that may trigger past experiences and past emotions – some of which may cause anxiety.

These triggers can manifest in shallow and quick breathing (hyperventilation). Some consequences of hyperventilation are the restriction or tightening of airways (bronchoconstriction) and the decrease in the diameter of blood vessels (vasoconstriction).

Conversely, reducing our nasal breathing while activating our diaphragm will result in elevated levels of CO2 and nitric oxide. Physiologically our pH blood level will be restored to the normal range of 7.35-7.45 (strengthening the immune system) and the dilating blood vessels will increase blood flow. The consequent relaxation of smooth muscle throughout the body (including the bronchial airways) will activate the parasympathetic nervous system.

By carrying out mindful breathing exercises you will stay in the present, instead of in the past or in the future. With regular practice, you can avoid or limit the opportunities of anxiety triggers affecting your thoughts and emotions. And in doing so you can achieve clarity of mind and prevent over-breathing manifesting in hyperventilation”. – Paul Rodriguez

Listen to the following short guided meditation –