Getting High on My Own Supply

Adventures as a Pulmonaut

I’m not a doctor! If you want to embark on the wonders of exploring your breath, make sure that it’s safe for you to proceed and talk to your doctor. I know it might seem strange but there are actually many conditions that might counter-indicate some of these techniques.

The reason that “take a deep breath” is a common suggestion to the stressed is because of just how effective taking a deep breath can be for resetting the mind and body in the moment. Breath isn’t just good for calming you down — there are breath techniques to warm your body, give yourself energy, train for endurance events, and even hallucinate. Breath work is an ancient practice that has been used for thousands of years to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

The Benefits of Breath Work

Breath work is a powerful tool for improving physical, mental, and emotional health — and I’ve been very lucky that I’ve experienced many of these benefits personally. In addition to the benefits I gained from working with my breath as a marathoner, I’ve also found that it’s one of the key ways that I can step back from the emotional flashbacks caused by c-PTSD. Focusing on my breath gives me a moment to remain mindful in addition to grounding myself in the moment.

Using the breath, we can regulate our nervous system, reduce stress, and improve our overall sense of well-being. Breath work can help:

Reduce anxiety and stress
Improve focus and concentration
Enhance immune system function
Improve cardiovascular health

Are you convinced? You should be!

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Pulmonauts

Those who engage deeply in the practice are called “pulmonauts” (literally ‘breath sailor’). Thus, a pulmonaut is simply someone who uses their breath as a tool for exploration and transformation. Just as an astronaut explores the depths of space, a pulmonaut explores the depths of their breath, and how it impacts their being. By exploring their breath, pulmonauts can achieve a deeper sense of self-awareness, improve their physical health, and develop a greater sense of connection with the world around them.