We began this life with an inhale. We will finish it with an exhale. All the stuff between we assume is life. -- Steve Ilg

In many languages, the same word is used to denote "breath" and "spirit". In English, we have the word "inspire", which is based on the Latin word for "breathe". More so than food or water, your breath is an absolutely vital aspect of your livelihood. Yet while many of us are careful to eat well and drink our 8 cups of water every day, how many of us truly pay attention to our breath?

Breathing accomplishes many things. Its main purpose it to bring oxygen into your blood in order to give you energy to live, and to take out the toxins that are built up by all the different cell changes going on all over your body. It ventilates your body in the same way that opening windows ventilates your house. Deep breathing can also be incredibly energizing and calming, all at the same time.

Here is your project for this Friday:

1. Inhale fully - allow your belly to expand as though you have a mini beer belly.
2. Exhale slowly - try to take at least 5 seconds to expel your breath, giving your body lots of time to throw all the toxins out of your bloodstream and into your breath.
3. Pay attention - and do it again, at least four more times.
   

Deep breathing exercises like this are important for both your mental and physical health. If you can, try to breathe deeply like this every hour to truly allow your body to benefit.

Remember what Ramana Maharshi said: "One moment of conscious breathing is one moment of purity."