Power Tool: Tense vs. Relaxed

A Coaching Power Tool created by Dawn Lamond
(Transformational Coaching, UNITED STATES)

This power tool is profound in its simplicity and draws upon physiological, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of ourselves in order to entrain new ways of seeing and being. This creates new potentials for change in any situation

I’d be willing to bet you’re breathing right now… 🙂 We breathe, every day – it’s just a fact of life. Our breath has been with us since the very beginning, first through our connection with our mother, and then under our own power as we moved into the world.

The breath, like our beating heart, will be ever present for all of our lives

And yet, how do we use this? We know it’s vital but the fact of its ever present automatic function can result in its fading into the background, unnoticed. What happens when we bring the power that has brought us into this world into our conscious awareness?

We breathe. 🙂 And when we do, when we choose to mindfully tune in to this vital essence coursing into our body, cleansing and empowering as it goes, and then let it out releasing all that does not serve us in the moment with it…change happens.

Research has shown that breathing exercises … can have immediate effects by altering the pH of the blood, or changing blood pressure. But more importantly, they can be used as a method to train the body’s reaction to stressful situations and dampen the production of harmful stress hormones. NPR: The Body has a Built In Stres Reliever

Tension can reside in any part of our being

When we are tense, energy – our very life force – can not flow unencumbered. Energy can not reach all aspects of us, and toxins can not be released in full. This creates anxiety. Thus, changes made when in a tense, shallow breathing state can tend to be reactionary and impulsive – Wiki – Shallow Breathing

When we’re tense, we breathe shallowly – only the chest moves. This doesn’t allow the breath to penetrate to the core. We don’t let life in all the way when we do this. A full breath involves the whole body, starting with the belly. This is still the center of power, even now.

As babies we knew how to breathe… Deep and easy, secure in our sense of trust in life. A full, mindful breath can bring is right back there, and when we’re relaxed, we are sitting at the center of our power, able to think clearly and reach for ideas that are present when we’re mindfully connected to this vital part of our being.

When We Mindfully Breathe

the mind clears – the body relaxes – the emotions settle – the spirit is enlivened

We Become Inspired

in·spire (n-spr)

v. in·spired, in·spir·ing, in·spires

v.tr.

1. To affect, guide, or arouse by divine influence.

2. To fill with enlivening or exalting emotion: hymns that inspire the congregation; an artist who was inspired by Impressionism.

3.

a. To stimulate to action; motivate: a sales force that was inspired by the prospect of a bonus.

b. To affect or touch: The falling leaves inspired her with sadness.

4. To draw forth; elicit or arouse: a teacher who inspired admiration and respect.

5. To be the cause or source of; bring about: an invention that inspired many imitations.

6. To draw in (air) by inhaling.

7. Archaic

a. To breathe on.

b. To breathe life into.

v.intr.

1. To stimulate energies, ideals, or reverence: a leader who inspires by example.

2. To inhale.

This power tool, thus, has a literal tool to go along with it –

Relax…and take a deep breath… Now doesn’t that feel better? 🙂 Let’s do that some more.

The Empathic Coach – Mindful Breathing

Coaching Application

1. Client having a tough time? Ask them to pause for a quick, mindful breath!
2. Consider breathing mindfully, yourself
3. Mindfully breathe before meeting with your client

Reflection

1. How often are you aware of how you breathe?
2. Do you notice when you get tense? How do you relax?
3. Are there good kinds of tension?
4. Is there a way you might incorporate mindful breathing into your daily life?

Breathe and Be