I find the origin of words and phrases fascinating. Often the original meaning or intent has got lost over time. And to understand the original intent or meaning can provide so much insight into our language.
The origin of the name 'Breath'
Our breathing has three distinct parts. (See the blog on the 3 Part of Breath). And one of the parts of our breath is the inhale or inhalation.
This is the very first step of the respiratory process. In fact, the inhale is the first breathing action we all take when we are born.
The inhale and the exhale as a part of the breathing process, are referred to (especially in medical terms) as inspiration and expiration. The exhale's term of expiration again shows the words origin. And like the inhale being the first breath action we take when we are born. When we die or expire. The exhalation is the last action we take in the breath cycle of our life.
So our breathing cycle is one of inspiration or inhale. And expiration or exhale.
Now before words came into being, there is evidence of Breathing being drawn and illustrated as wind or current or cycles. In patterns that even today, once drawn we would quickly understand what it meant.
Now if the inhale is also referred to as the inspiration. What other definition do many of us associate with the word 'inspiration'? To be inspired.
The Amazing Link
So now we know there is a direct link between the term of phrase 'to be inspired' and the 'inspiration' of our breath. The ideas or revelations that are experienced via our breath.
The first evidence of the term for Breath comes from the Latin - "inspirare". Also a key entomological link for the phrase to be inspired. In fact Inspirare actually means "Devine Guidance". Again, easy to see where the common term of 'inspiration' comes from if it's root meaning is 'devine guidance'.
The awesome thing from my perspective is this direct link to our Breath. And the inhale, the most common and 'felt' part of our breathing has as its derivation from Devine Guidance. So remember:
Breath = Devine Guidance
So What Now?
Look through the other articles and PRACTICAL exercises, which will show you how you can implement Conscious Breath into your life. It's not about intensive practises, hours of meditation or stressing your body for results.
A simple Breath Awareness practise can be done in just minutes. And if continued regularly can change how you experience life.
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