Breath as a Connection to the Unconscious
Our breath is more than just a tool for staying alive—it’s a bridge to our inner world. For centuries, many cultures have seen the breath as something sacred, a connection to the spirit or soul. But it’s also a practical and powerful way to explore the deeper parts of ourselves: our feelings, memories, and hidden insights.
Think of the breath as a guide, gently leading you to parts of your mind you may not usually access. By focusing on your breathing, you can explore these inner layers safely, discovering more about yourself in the process.
Breath as a Guide to the Unconscious
In psychology, there’s an idea of a “psychopomp”—a figure from myths like Hermes or Anubis—that guides souls to unknown realms. Imagine your breath as this guide. Just as these mythical figures help people journey into the unknown, your breath can lead you to the quieter, hidden parts of your mind.
This can feel a bit daunting because you might come across feelings or thoughts you don’t usually face. But by staying connected to your breath, you have a steady companion to help you navigate these experiences.
Exploring Your Inner World with Breath
One helpful way to explore your unconscious is through something called active imagination. It’s a technique where you let your thoughts, feelings, or even images rise naturally without trying to control them. When combined with conscious breathing, it becomes a way to connect deeply with yourself while staying grounded.
For example, you can pair this with spontaneous drawing. Let your hand move freely on a piece of paper, guided by your breath, without worrying about what it “should” look like. This simple practice helps bypass overthinking and allows your unconscious to express itself.
Think of each breath as a journey. When you inhale, you dive a little deeper into your inner world. When you exhale, you gently return to the present moment. This back-and-forth rhythm helps you feel safe, even if challenging emotions or thoughts come up.
If something difficult surfaces, your breath is there to remind you: You’re just observing, not judging or fixing. By staying curious and open, you create a safe space to meet these parts of yourself.
Building a Relationship with Your Inner Self
The more you practice using your breath in this way, the stronger your connection with your unconscious mind becomes. Over time, you might find it easier to understand yourself, accept complexities within you, and even tap into creative insights you didn’t realise were there.
A Simple Exercise: Breathing and Drawing to Connect Within
This short practice uses your breath to guide you as you explore your inner world through drawing.
What You’ll Need:
- Blank paper
- A pen or pencil
- A quiet space
Steps:
- Get Comfortable and Breathe
Sit somewhere calm with your paper and pen. Close your eyes if it feels right, and focus on your breathing. Let each breath ground you and gently guide your awareness inward. - Imagine Your Breath as a Guide
Picture your breath leading you, like a trusted companion, into your inner self. Notice any feelings, images, or thoughts that come up without trying to change or judge them. - Start Drawing
Open your eyes, pick up your pen, and begin to draw—without thinking or planning. Let your hand move freely, guided by your breath. There’s no right or wrong way to do this; just let whatever wants to emerge, emerge. - Reflect
When you’re done, take a moment to look at what you’ve created. Are there shapes, patterns, or feelings that stand out? Don’t worry about making sense of it—just let it be what it is. - Ground Yourself
Close the exercise by returning to your breath. Take a few deep breaths and imagine coming back to the surface, feeling present and steady.
Questions to Consider:
- What thoughts or emotions surfaced while you did this?
- Did focusing on your breath change how you felt about the experience?
- How might you use this practice again in your daily life?
By repeating this simple exercise, you’ll uncover more about yourself in a gentle, creative way. Your breath is always there as a guide, ready to help you explore and grow.
