The Joy of Breathing

The Source of this topic did not find a moment to write a preparatory essay or article, not did he make an appearance at the meeting.  We were left to our own devices, pretty much, and our own frustrations.

Knowing the Source and his interest in tuning oneself to the universe, I imagine his idea was related to the fad of mindfulness.  While doing our daily activities, we often let our minds wander or we multitask in a way, thinking about plans for the day or the next day, basically everything but focusing on what we are doing at the moment.  Promoters of mindfulness recommend paying attention to every task we do, finding enjoyment in the activity itself and the art behind completing it to the best of your abilities.  Why would we focus on joy of breathing rather than any other small thing we do?  Possibly it is because everybody breathes, but any other activity has limitations on place and circumstances, as well as the interests of the person doing it.  Eating or preparing food is another option, I would think, but breathing also has the advantage of being free and something that not only can you do everywhere, you have to do it everywhere.  The act of breathing is not intrusive into others' lives and, while normally not noticed, is something we can exert some control over, unlike heartbeat, for example. 

The Educator connected the importance of proper breathing for proper performance of music as well as the link to Eastern philosophies to the concept.  She said breathing is the most natural thing we do, but we can do it more or less effectively.  We can use others' breathing to read their emotions, and modify our own breathing to throw others off.  As for music, she explained how singers and players of wind instruments need to control their breathing, both inhaling and exhaling, to be able to produce musical phrases that transmit the intended message.  The joy of producing art is a way of finding joy in breathing.

An Occasional Participant reminded us that awareness is necessary for joy in anything.  By taking conscious control of our breath we control other bodily functions, since they naturally align with respiration.  She also mentioned breathing as proof of being alive, which is something that should be a source of joy.

The Leader was slightly grumpy with the topic, unable to find much joy in it, mostly because of the language problem it presented.  While "the joy of X" is a common and easily understood expression in English, there is always a context that makes it clear where the joy is coming from.  He mentioned this in his writing as well.  Breaking it down, joy is an emotion and breathing is a mechanical action, an everyday activity.  Why should the two necessarily be linked?  He complained a bit that this expression, a valid expression, can lead to any kind of thematizing and reminded us that language is not chemistry, with the same reactions produced by the same ingredients every time.  Language, like joy, is subject to a vast amount of subjectivity, and words without context are not as much able to take on any meaning as they are left meaningless.

The True Philosopher brought a knowledge of scripture and sacred language to the table, pointing out how important breath was as an idea in old religions, including Judaism.  In many beliefs, breath and soul are linked, if not even one and the same.  He also connected the spiritual to finding joy, saying the spiritual person loves life, and again, life is demonstrated by breath.  We can also conceive of breathing as a connection to the world; by inhaling the atmosphere we take it into ourselves and we leave a little of ourselves to the world when we exhale.

The Seeker of Happiness was a little surprisingly quiet, given his apparent quest.  He also understood breathing to indicate the presence of life, but life is connected to movement and change.  Living things have instincts that promote their continued life.  The joy is not so much in the act of breathing, but more in what it represents - the victory of surviving another moment, another day.