The Power of Breathwork
Values in Action
Inhale Rhythm, Exhale Balance
Trying to adapt and navigate the dynamic rhythm of life requires a focus on well-being. Our breath can be the conductor that leads us to continuous improvement, the pursuit of excellence, and a firm commitment to health and well-being. Shifting from the pressure to attain “Balance in Life” to the freedom to embrace “ Rhythm in Life invites us to participate in a metaphorical dance that acknowledges the fluidity of life’s demands.
Let’s create a supportive community as we collectively harness the power of breath to bring a healthy rhythm to our lives starting with integrating a few simple protocols into our daily routines.
4-7-8 Technique
This technique not only calms the nervous system but also encourages a slower, more deliberate pace in your daily activities.
Inhale quietly through your nose for a count of four
Hold your breath for a count of seven
Exhale audibly through your mouth for a count of eight.
Box Breathing
Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of four.
Hold your breath for a count of four.
Exhale slowly through pursed lips for a count of four.
Pause and hold your breath for another count of four.
Repeat this cycle, allowing each breath to anchor you in the present moment
Alternate Nostril Breathing
This practice fosters balance and harmony between the two hemispheres of the brain, promoting a sense of equilibrium in your life.
Sit comfortably and use your thumb to close off one nostril while inhaling through the other.
Switch nostrils and exhale.
As you engage in these breathwork protocols, remember that the goal is not to achieve a static state of balance but to flow with the rhythm of life's dynamic demands. Embrace the ebbs and flows, acknowledging that there will be times when certain aspects of your life require more attention than others. The key lies in cultivating resilience, adaptability, and the self-awareness to recognize when adjustments are needed.
Rhythm In Action: Chelsea Sodaro
In the relentless pursuit of excellence, Chelsea Sodaro, a remarkable triathlete, forged an inspiring path to the podium at Kona. Her journey is not merely defined by physical endurance but also by the mental and emotional fortitude required to navigate the obstacles strewn along
the path to success. Chelsea's story resonates with sacrifices made in the name of training, countless hours spent pushing the boundaries of physical limits, and the inevitable tussle with perfectionism that accompanies elite athletics.
Woven into the fabric of her narrative are the palpable struggles of mom guilt and the anxiety that shadows high-stakes competitions. Chelsea's ascent to the podium is not just a tale of triumph over a course; it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of embracing challenges, transcending perfection, and finding rhythm in the relentless pursuit of one's dreams.
Chelsea doesn’t believe in balance in life. She trains 30 hours a week and is a wife and a mother. She lives by the mantra, “Make the most important thing, the most important thing.” It goes without saying her love for her family is always important, but as she states in an interview with Rich Roll, “Filling every bucket every day effortlessly is not reality, not practical, and not healthy.” She believes that when you go all in, you can’t have balance and you will,inevitably, be faced with unconscious guilt.i
Chelsea is paving the way for the high performers and over achievers who have been plagued with a relentless, yet unachievable pursuit of “Balance in Life.” She has exposed the notion that often on this journey to excellence, we put ourselves at risk and take a toll on our physical and mental well-being. The notion of balance and perfect equilibrium is a myth and the reality is that life’s demands, no matter what you do, are dynamic and ever changing. The essence of balance lies in accepting and adapting to life's rhythm. It involves a dance that seamlessly integrates obligations, responsibilities, desires, and goals, transcending the boundaries of family, work, health, and personal growth.