The fine line that exists between training and exploring breath

When working with breath, there is a fine line that exists between training and exploring.

Training involves having a goal. I want a specific outcome, maybe to relieve some pain, to get stronger, to relax, to overcome malady, or to manage emotions, for example, and so I want to attain that goal. Training also implies best practices mapping they way to get to that goal.

Exploring is more about being present and curious along a journey… noticing sensations, being with what is, and allowing discoveries to emerge from the body.

Training can take us towards the goal, while exploration can keep us open to learning new things about ourselves along the way.

Both training and exploring can help us to be motivated. Training is something we know that we want, while exploring the body allows space for discovery of things we didn’t know or expect. Combined together they keep us interested on the journey.

One thing to look out for, is that goals can become obstacles, getting in the way of what I actually want. If I’m too fixated on a goal, the goal can start to inhibit my progress — imposing pressure or resistance toward deeper growth.

For example a goal might start with hearing about someone else’s breathwork experience, or reading an article about breathing, or having an experience that I want to repeat again. These are all great motivations that can also be stepping stones to greater expansion.

However, it’s nothing new to say training can become rigid when I’m too attached to the goal, or it feels like there’s only one way to get there. This narrows our view and can lead to pushing too hard or bubbling up fears about getting it wrong.

On the other hand, exploration may end up leading down a rabbit hole, or to a sense of feeling lost, without an anchor, like what’s the point?

So in a breathing practice, you can train towards your goals and also allow the spirit of exploration and stay open to new possibilities. New possibilities can be in alignment with your goals. Staying both steady with the training and letting go if expectations contributes toward growth.

Part of staying open means giving yourself the permission to change your goals, based on discoveries that emerge. Or your goals might stay the same, in which case you may become more committed and passionate than ever about what it is you’re doing.

Breath practices allows for unique experiences to happen while also acknowledging best practices that come from anatomy and physiology, evidence-based practices, and wisdom traditions.

Here are some definitions of the words explore and train from Merriam-Webster Dictionary (with a few of my own additions around the topic of breath).

I hope these illustrate the difference between exploration and training, so you enjoy both the journey as well as the destination of landing more deeply in your body through breath awareness.

Explore -

Transitive verb (when the action of the verb passes from the subject to an object):

1. a: to investigate, study, or analyze : look into
   explore the relationship between breath and posture
   b: sometimes used with indirect questions
   to explore how breath gets shallow or restricted

2. :to travel over (new territory) for adventure or discovery

3. : to examine especially for diagnostic purposes
   explore the tension
   

Intransitive verb - (when the verb has meaning on its own and does not need an object to make sense)

: to make or conduct a systematic search
explore for gold

Train -

Transitive verb

1. a : to teach so as to make fit or proficient
   b : to form by instruction or discipline

2. : to make prepared (as by exercise) for a test of skill

3. : to direct the growth of (example a plant) usually by bending, pruning, and tying

Intransitive verb

1. to undergo instruction or discipline

How you breathe is important. A well-functioning breath is the key to a healthy life.