Breathing fully can be revelatory for the body. Proper, full breathing is not promoted in modern society. Many modern activities undermine good posture and the ability to engage in full breathing. The process of full breathing can be trained through breathing practices contained in yogic and qigong repertoires. The practices in contained these disciplines encourage and can develop conscientious, deep, full breathing. Consistently, practicing them makes deep breathing more of an unconsciously repetitive act. This has long reaching effects on (one’s) overall well-being.
Taking time for that one, conscious full breath can be uplifting and can positively affect one’s outlook for the day. Giving your body what it needs is a good thing. Doing it consciously is a conscientiously good thing. The drudgery of the day / night can be a distraction for good posture and proper breathing. When attention does turn to the breath, often, breathing is shallow, or exhalations are near non-existent. Focus is given over to accomplishing whatever the task at hand may be. Breathing takes the unconscious backseat.
Habitual, improper breathing is reinforced through the daily non-attention (that is) given to the breath. Conversely, the function of full, deep, proper breathing can be trained. It can be trained to the point that it approaches becoming an ‘unconscious’ habit. Basically, breathing practices place emphasis on the length and quality of exhalation. This profoundly de-emphasizes the flight-or-fight mode under which the nervous system, of most people, functions. Basically, “breathing practices can directly stimulate the vagus nerve, by increasing the vagal tone, leading to an improvement of autonomic regulation, clarity of thought, improved mood and ability to cope with stress”
It is the breath which connects us to life. It is not food. It is not love. It is not the newest (insert your choice). Breathing occurs even during sleep. On the day that followed having completed a session of pranayama, I experienced catching myself breathing fully without having to give it any thought. It does not benefits anyone to go through an entire day without taking even one good full breath. The bodily mechanisms are intimately linked to the flow and the rhythm of breathing. The more fully the better. Good quality breathing is a birthright. Through socialization, material acquisition, worrying, poor dietary habits . . . etc, birthright is cast to the side. Take it back. Practice full breathing. Live!!! `
Ab-Sutra Wellness and Fitness 