How To Let Go Of Strong Emotions

One of the things I love about Pilates, Yoga, and Qi Gong is the emphasis on the breath work. 

They all teach you how the breath is where it all starts.  It controls everything.  How you heal.  How you feel.  How you move. 

And there are so many breathing exercises out there that can give you different results. 

You can change the way you breathe so that it calms your nervous system, to turn on your nervous system before or during activity, to boost your energy, to loosen muscle tension, and/or to decrease anxiety and overwhelm. 

It’s fascinating how something so simple can make such a difference in your body and mind. 

Try this.

Put your hand over your heart and close your eyes.  Take a deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth.  Repeat a few more deep breaths. 

Did that release some tension in your neck?  Do you feel a less overwhelmed?  How about more grounded or centered?

You can use this breathing exercise anytime you feel like life is spiraling out of control.  It reminds you that you DO have control. 

One breath can change everything.  Your mood.  Your energy level. 

And as they say you've gotta feel it to heal it.  Breath work will help you do that.

Having a variety of breathing exercises in your self-care tool box will help you manage stress, fatigue, and pain to perform and feel your best each day. 

Here is another breathing exercise for you to try that will help you release STRONG emotions: The Ha Breath*.

Some of us were taught that it's not OK to express strong or negative emotions (i.e. anger, sadness) and they get trapped in our body. This technique will help you release them. 

Not to get too woo woo on you, but it'll also help you center yourself by combining both your masculine and feminine energy so you’re in a more peaceful place. 

THE HA BREATH

Step One

1. Begin in a standing position. Lift your hands straight over your head and take a deep breath in through your nose.
2. Squat down and pull your hands into your belly like you’re scooping energy from the sky (masculine energy). As you squat, shout out, “Ha!”
3. Return to standing. Repeat 3 times or more, until you feel complete.
4. Take one minute to feel the vibratory impact on your body and mind (i.e. blood and energy flowing).

Step Two

1. Begin in a standing position. Your arms are at your sides. Take a deep breath in through your nose.
2. Squat down and pull your hands up as if you’re scooping energy from the earth (feminine energy). As you squat, shout out, “Ha!”
3. Return to standing. Repeat 3 times or more, until you feel complete.
4. Take one minute to feel the vibratory impact on your body and mind.

Step Three

1. Begin in a standing position. Your arms are at your sides. Take a deep breath in through your nose.
2. Squat down with your hands extended forward, and shout out, “Ha!” as you bring your hands into your belly (uniting masculine and feminine energies).
3. Return to standing. Repeat 3 times or more, until you feel complete.
4. Take one minute to feel the vibratory impact on your body and mind.

Remember…baby steps, my friend.  All is well.

P.S. Ready to go from Stressed to your Relaxed Body? Download the Relaxed Body Toolkit & Daily Energy Planner here.
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​*FROM THE BOOK: Daring To Rest by Karen Brody who learned The Ha Breath technique in a Sierra Bender workshop.