In a study of breathing patterns of patients with anxiety and depression, “It turned out that the most efficient breathing rhythm occurred when both the length of respirations and total breaths per minute were locked in to a spooky symmetry: 5.5 -second inhales followed by 5.5- second exhales, which works out almost exactly to 5.5. breaths a minute. This was the same pattern of the [catholic] rosary.”  

~ James Nestor in Breath  

This week, I’m thinking (and learning a lot) about breathing and mental health. In the book, Breath by James Nestor – I’ve been learning a lot about breath and prayer practices across multiple faiths, spiritualities, and cultures – and finding surprising commonalities among them. My biggest takeaway has been the quotation I started with – this pattern of 5.5-second inhales and 5.5-second exhales which have been shared and practiced for generations across religions. The author calls these similarities ‘spooky’ – though I interpret these similarities as the work and wisdom of the Holy Spirit – no matter what we call it or how we make sense of it. 

 

Breathing can impact our mental health … or maybe our mental health affects our breathing. I know for me, I’ve used breath prayer as a calming technique when I’ve felt anxious or experienced symptoms of anxiety. In this video, I lead a guided breath prayer for anxiety. Even if you haven’t experienced anxiety – this can be a calming and centering type of prayer. 

 

Please note that prayer of any kind is a tool in your toolbox for addressing anxiety or other mental health issues. If you are experiencing intense anxiety, please talk to your medical provider for more tools to assist you. Breath prayers can be one of the many tools in your toolbox, but it should be in used in context with other methods such as therapy and medication. 

 

God is right here. Right Now. 

May your breath be prayer and your prayer be breath, 

  

Deacon Nina 

  

  

If you would like to share – please pass this message along to others who may want to join in daily prayer this Lent. It's never too late to start and the sign-up link is here. Participants receive guided practices, tips, and encouragement along the way.