169. Breath! Hit the brakes …

In Verse 1:34 of the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali emphasizes the power of the breath to stabilize the mind and cultivate focus. This teaching, timeless in its wisdom, connects directly to the modern understanding of how breath influences the nervous system. Jeff recalls a vivid moment during his time as a paramedic—the "Everybody stop!" episode in the ambulance. This dramatic experience highlighted the importance of calm amidst chaos, a state achievable through the conscious use of the breath.

The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), often called the "rest and digest" system, is crucial in calming the body. The PNS is directly activated by the 10th cranial nerve, the vagus nerve, which is stimulated during the exhalation phase of the breath. When the vagus nerve is engaged, the heart rate slows, creating a cascade of physiological effects that promote relaxation. This is measurable through tools like heart rate variability and sinus arrhythmia on a cardiac monitor or ECG, which reflect how the body responds to stress and recovery.

Training the exhalation enhances vagal tone, the body's ability to activate the PNS efficiently. This practice can help counterbalance the constant activation of the sympathetic nervous system in today’s fast-paced, high-stress environment. With practice, the exhalation becomes a tool for downregulating the nervous system, promoting peace and resilience even in the face of daily challenges.

As we breathe with intention—inhale peace, exhale release—we engage more than just our lungs. We engage a pathway to stillness; a means to train our body and mind to respond to life calmly and clearly. Through this focused practice, we align with Patanjali’s teachings and harness our nervous system's physiological wisdom to cultivate lasting peace.