Moving together in practices like yoga, dance, and martial arts triggers neurobiological processes that enhance mental wellbeing. These activities stimulate the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters associated with pleasure and pain relief, promoting a positive mood and reducing stress. They foster a strong mind-body connection by engaging regions of the brain responsible for proprioception and interoception, heightening awareness of physical sensations and emotions. This enhanced neural integration contributes to emotional regulation and self-awareness.
The social aspect of practicing these activities in the company of others enhances mental wellbeing. It taps into the human need for social connection, activating brain regions associated with social reward and bonding. This sense of belonging within a community- especially moving and breathing together- fosters a collective mindset akin to murmurations in birds, where synchronized movement promotes cohesion and cooperation. Additionally being part of a community that shares common interests and goals creates a supportive environment where individuals can find encouragement, inspiration, and accountability. As individuals synchronize their movements with others, they experience a shared sense of purpose and unity, reinforcing social bonds and promoting mental resilience. When we synchronize our breath, brain activity aligns, creating a sense of rapport and connection. We are regulating as a group! When this becomes a consistent and regular rhythm in our lives it fosters a sense of routine and commitment, providing structure and stability in one’s life and relationships. In a breath-based yoga class we are moving and breathing together- we make specific transitions with an inhale or exhale. We slow the breath down together as well as challenge ourselves to take deeper longer, more conscious breaths. We are regulating individually and as a group, activating various neural pathways and physiological responses that are fundamental to human social behavior. Here's how:
Overall, engaging in a regular practice with others taps into our social engagement system by activating neural mechanisms related to empathy, trust, and cooperation. It fosters a sense of connection, belonging, and mutual support, enhancing both physical and psychological wellbeing.
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Breathing quietly through the nose is not just a matter of etiquette or social norms; it plays a significant role in our overall health and well-being. Here are several reasons why quiet nasal breathing is important:
1. Relaxation Response: Nasal breathing plays a pivotal role in activating the parasympathetic nervous system, the branch of the autonomic nervous system responsible for promoting relaxation and restoring balance in the body. Slower, deeper, softer breaths stimulate the vagus nerve—a key component of the parasympathetic nervous system, fostering feelings of calmness and reducing stress levels. In contrast, mouth breathing, or louder nasal breathing tends to activate the sympathetic nervous system, which is linked to the body's "fight or flight" response. 2. Heart Rate and Blood Pressure Regulation: The parasympathetic nervous system helps regulate heart rate and blood pressure, promoting cardiovascular health and overall well-being. Nasal breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure. This can contribute to a state of relaxation and reduce the risk of cardiovascular conditions associated with chronic stress and sympathetic dominance. 3. Digestive Health: Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system stimulates digestive processes by increasing blood flow to the digestive organs and promoting the secretion of digestive enzymes and stomach acid. Nasal breathing supports optimal digestion and absorption of nutrients while reducing the likelihood of digestive discomfort or disorders related to stress and sympathetic over-activity. 4. Immune Function: The parasympathetic nervous system plays a role in enhancing immune function, including the production of immune cells and antibodies that help protect the body against pathogens. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, nasal breathing supports the body's immune response, contributing to overall health and resilience against illness. 5. Nitric Oxide Production: The sinuses in the nasal cavity produce nitric oxide, a gas with various physiological effects, including vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) and antimicrobial activity. Nitric oxide helps improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and enhance the body's immune response. Breathing through the nose allows for the delivery of nitric oxide to the lungs, where it can exert its beneficial effects. 6. Optimal Jaw and Dental Health: Breathing through the nose promotes proper alignment of the jaw and teeth, as it encourages the tongue to rest against the roof of the mouth and supports nasal breathing. This natural positioning contributes to optimal oral health and reduces the risk of dental issues such as malocclusion and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. 7. Protection Against Harmful Particles: The nasal passages contain tiny hairs called cilia and mucus, which act as a natural filtration system, trapping dust, allergens, bacteria, and other harmful particles present in the air. Breathing through the nose helps prevent these particles from entering the lungs, reducing the risk of respiratory infections and allergies. 8. Efficient Oxygen Intake & Moisture Balance: The nose is specially designed to filter, warm, and humidify the air we breathe before it reaches the lungs. By breathing through the nose, we optimize the intake of oxygen and ensure that the air we inhale is properly conditioned for our respiratory system. 9. Arousal Response: Loud or irregular breathing sounds can trigger an involuntary arousal response in others, activating their sympathetic nervous system—the body's "fight or flight" response. This physiological reaction prepares individuals to respond to potential threats or dangers, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and stress hormone levels. Continuous exposure to loud breathing noises can thus perpetuate a state of heightened arousal, leading to feelings of tension, anxiety, or unease. Incorporating practices that encourage quiet nasal breathing, such as diaphragmatic breathing, meditation, yoga, or simply being aware of our breathing throughout the day, can help promote the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system and support overall health and well-being. By prioritizing nasal breathing and creating opportunities for relaxation and stress reduction, we can harness the restorative power of the parasympathetic nervous system and cultivate a greater sense of balance and vitality in our lives. In the intricate tapestry of our world, there exists a mathematical marvel that transcends disciplines and captivates the human imagination—the golden ratio. With its roots in mathematics and its branches extending into realms of nature and art, the golden ratio stands as a testament to the inherent beauty and harmony found in our universe. Nature, with its boundless creativity, seems to effortlessly weave the golden ratio into its fabric. From the spiral of a seashell to the arrangement of petals in a flower, nature's design is imbued with this divine proportion. One of the most iconic examples is the spiral pattern of the nautilus shell, which follows the logarithmic spiral—a manifestation of the golden ratio. Even the proportions of the human body, from the length of our fingers to the placement of our facial features, often align with this mathematical principle.
Art, too, has long been enchanted by the allure of the golden ratio. Dating back to ancient civilizations, artists have employed this ratio to create works of timeless beauty and harmony. From the Parthenon in ancient Greece to the paintings of Leonardo da Vinci during the Renaissance, the golden ratio has served as a guiding principle in the composition of masterpieces. Whether consciously or intuitively, artists have harnessed the power of this ratio to create visual experiences that resonate deeply with the human psyche. But what is it about the golden ratio that makes it so captivating? Perhaps it is the perfect balance it embodies, the harmony it evokes, or the sense of order it imparts to the chaos of existence. Whatever the reason, the golden ratio continues to fascinate and inspire generations of thinkers, creators, and dreamers. As we marvel at the intricate patterns of a seashell or lose ourselves in the contemplation of a masterpiece, let us remember the silent presence of the golden ratio—a subtle reminder of the underlying unity and beauty that permeates all of creation. In its elegant simplicity, the golden ratio whispers to us of a deeper truth—one that transcends mathematics, nature, and art, and speaks to the very essence of our existence. Join us for a fascinating exploration into The Art and Math of the Golden Ratio: Seeing it within Yourself and the World Around you. May 4, 2024 12:00-2:00 |
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