And breathe Isaya, breathe

I say that a lot.
I also recommend that to my clients as the first step to personal change, healing and growth.
Well it seems that I’m getting reminder after reminder on the importance of breath.
So… Today I want to write about all the breathing knowledge I gathered and all the breathing ideas I have… Buckle up, take a deep breath and let’s go!

In the fast-paced rhythm of modern life, it’s easy to overlook one of the most fundamental aspects of our well-being: our breath. Often taken for granted, breathing is not just a biological necessity but also a powerful tool for enhancing both physical and mental health. Understanding the significance of proper breathing, especially its anti-stress benefits, can pave the way to a healthier, more balanced life.

Personally, I recently learnt two crucial pieces of information about my body regarding breathing:

1. I suffer from severe sleep apnea.

2. I might have had latent tuberculosis for more than 40 years.

So… what is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder in which repetitive pauses in breathing, periods of shallow breathing, or collapse of the upper airway during sleep results in poor ventilation and sleep disruption. Each pause in breathing can last for a few seconds to a few minutes and occurs many times a night. It is a chronic condition, and, when left untreated, might result in both short term symptoms (daytime sleepiness, snoring, non restorative sleep, tiredness during the day adequate sleep time) and long term complications like heart failure, diabetes, stroke or more. People being correctly are supposed to add 10 years to their life expectancy!

What is the treatment you ask?

Well… It all depends where you live, because, in various countries, different treatments are offered and recommended.

In France, the classic treatment if you have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, which is my case, is to sleep with a CPAP machine (continuous positive airway pressure) that uses mild air pressure to keep breathing airways open while you sleep.

No drugs, no invasive surgery, just a mask one has to wear over their nose connected to a tube that pushes air (normal air, not oxygen) into one’s nose. So yes, mild discomfort.

Anyway. Last month I was told I had to use one of those machines.

And, as per usual when the Universe throws me yet another curve ball, a choice emerged.

I could whine and complain and resist and suffer through all of it.

Or… I could see the glass half full and feel the gratitude.

OK, I hear you, there is the Darth Vador syndrome… I do feel like I have to say at least once a week to my sons "I am your mother" with my mask on…

Now…

10 years added to my life plus feeing amazing everyday as opposed to waking up exhausted… I’ll take the Darth Vador and mild discomfort look everyday.

Now, to help me really remember what this machine does for me, I decided to give it a name.

I chose Raphael.

So yes, I sleep with Raphael every night.

The Archangel.

Known for his healing powers, Raphael is believed to offer physical, emotional, and spiritual healing to those in need. As a compassionate and nurturing presence, he is also associated with safe travels. Archangel Raphael is also often referred to as "the Breath of Life." So appropriate don’t you think?

My first night with Raphael was … amazing! … Now it’s part of my routine to have amazing nights, and voilà. So much gratitude for this journey of healing I am on. I feel all of me is going through rejuvenation!

Oh and I need to mention that in France, everything about sleep apnea is free of charge, including the machine, the maintenance and the follow ups!

What’s not to like?

So now I breathe at night.

Now… at day, on the other hand, there still might be some issues, as I’m still under "investigation" to see if I have latent tuberculosis. More about that soon. But hey, don’t hold your breath!

In the meantime what it might mean is that, once again, I have been ignoring some symptoms for ages… for reasonsonly some of you will understand.

I’m overweight. And often short of breath when making an effort. Even out of breath.

So, for as long as I can remember, both me and all the doctors have agree on that one.

Isaya is short of breath BECAUSE she is overweight. Juts loose some weight and you’ll be better.

Or am I? Or is it TB?

Interesting, right?

Lately I have been seeing this everywhere. Overweight people like myself are overlooked and their symptoms are dismissed as a consequence of their weight. Nothing else. Seriously?? We have to do better as a society. We have to breathe new life into that topic.

Anyway, rant over.

Breathe, Isaya, breathe.

Back to the breath conversation.

I’ve come to understand that my main invitation in this huge healing journey is to relieve myself of stress and latent anxiety, to breathe easier, so to speak.

Why?

Let’s go back to basics.

Breathing is an automatic process regulated by the autonomic nervous system, ensuring that our bodies receive the oxygen needed for survival and expelling carbon dioxide. However, the way we breathe—whether shallow and rapid or deep and slow—has profound effects on our overall health.

There are immense physical benefits in proper breathing(we’ll define proper breathing in a minute):

1. Enhanced Oxygenation: Deep, diaphragmatic breathing improves oxygen delivery to our cells, enhancing energy levels and promoting optimal bodily function.

2. Cardiovascular Health: Slow, deep breathing reduces blood pressure and heart rate, supporting heart health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

3. Improved Digestion: Proper breathing stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, aiding in digestion and nutrient absorption.

4. Pain Management: Techniques such as mindful breathing can activate the body’s natural pain relief mechanisms, providing relief from chronic pain conditions.

Wow… So yes, immense!

Now breathing also plays a crucial role in regulating our emotional state. By influencing the nervous system, breathing can help manage stress, anxiety, and even depression. So...

1. Stress Reduction: Slow, deep breaths activate the parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the “rest and digest” system, which counteracts the stress-induced “fight or flight” response.

2. Anxiety Management: Conscious breathing techniques help calm the mind, reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety such as rapid heartbeat and sweating.

3. Enhanced Focus and Clarity: Mindful breathing practices improve concentration and cognitive function, promoting mental clarity and reducing brain fog.

4. Emotional Regulation: Breathing exercises help in managing emotions by providing a sense of control and grounding, making it easier to respond to situations thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.

So again, huge benefits. It literally takes my breath away!

Now… what s "proper breathing"? Proper breathing refers to a technique of breathing that maximizes oxygen intake, optimizes the function of the respiratory system, and promotes overall health and well-being. Key characteristics of proper breathing include (not all have to be done at once!!):

1. Diaphragmatic Breathing: Also known as abdominal or belly breathing, this technique involves breathing deeply into the diaphragm rather than shallowly into the chest. The abdomen should expand on inhalation and contract on exhalation.

2. Slow and Steady: Proper breathing involves taking slow, deliberate breaths. This helps ensure that the lungs fully inflate and deflate, promoting efficient gas exchange.

3. Nasal Breathing: Inhaling and exhaling through the nose is considered beneficial as the nasal passages filter, warm, and humidify the air before it reaches the lungs.

4. Full Exhalation: Ensuring that the exhale is complete is as important as a full inhale. This helps in removing carbon dioxide from the body and makes space for fresh oxygen.

5. Rhythmic and Controlled: Proper breathing often follows a consistent rhythm, which can help in calming the mind and body. Techniques like box breathing (inhaling, holding, exhaling, and holding for equal counts) exemplify controlled breathing.

By practising proper breathing, individuals can enhance their oxygen intake, reduce stress, and improve overall physical and mental health.

So… Are we doing this?

Incorporating mindful breathing into your daily routine is a simple yet profoundly effective way to enhance both physical and mental health. By paying attention to our breath, we can reduce stress, improve cardiovascular and digestive health, and achieve a greater sense of emotional balance. So, take a moment, breathe deeply, and embrace the transformative power of proper breathing. Your body and mind will thank you.

I would be so happy to hear from you about all that. Thank you in advance for your comment.

So much for today...

See you soon, for my next online adventures!

Until then I send you love, light and gratitude.

Isaya

PS1: next week I’ll be talking about how to catch one's breath in times of trouble...

PS2: here are some simple anti-stress breathing techniques to try if you feel like it. Incorporating simple breathing techniques into your daily routine can make a significant difference in your stress levels and overall well-being.

1. Diaphragmatic Breathing: Also known as belly breathing, this technique involves inhaling deeply through the nose, allowing the abdomen to expand, and exhaling slowly through the mouth. This promotes relaxation and reduces stress.

2. Box Breathing: This involves inhaling for four counts, holding the breath for four counts, exhaling for four counts, and holding the breath again for four counts. It’s a powerful method to calm the nervous system.

3. 4-7-8 Breathing: Inhale through the nose for a count of four, hold the breath for seven counts, and exhale slowly through the mouth for eight counts. This technique helps in reducing anxiety and promoting sleep.

4. Alternate Nostril Breathing: Close one nostril and inhale through the other, then switch nostrils and exhale. This practice balances the mind and body, reducing stress and improving focus.

PS3: Now…

Maybe you feel like you want to support me as I navigate the Cancer journey?

I am OK and grateful to receive any Reiki, Prayers, Light, Love, Hugs or any other healing modal sent with pure intentions and love.

As far as advice and "recipes" are concerned, please ask me before you download your knowledge, links or recommendations onto me. Overwhelm is always lurking…

On a very practical way, because I’m going to be focusing on my healing, I will have less money coming in…

One way to help and support me is to actually buy something from me!

You can find some of my Goddess Connected programs here:

https://isayabelle.com/the-magic-goddess-online-programs 

or here: https://isayabelle.com/tech-goddess-academy-2

Please also bear in mind that I am reclaiming my journey and that my solutions and my path are mine and mine only. They are not intended to be a guide or a list of advice, a handbook or manual or any kind, least of all medical. This is just me sharing my journey.

Finally I also want to remind you that taking care of myself on this journey means saving my energy for the things that matter. Many of you have been asking for news and updates. Please put yourself in my shoes. I can't and do not want to repeat each and every new thing a dozen times to a dozen different people or in a dozen different groups. It is both tedious and painful. So if you get no direct answer to your questions about my health and my journey and my treatments, etc, do not take it the wrong way or personally. This cancer path has been kicking my ass on so many levels, but the main one is the very vocal reminder that I have to be selfish and take care of myself first. I promise I will give a general update next week in my blog as there will be "news", so stay tuned for that.