The Ontology of Breathing

November 19th, 2006 Fred McVittie Posted in Breath, Meditation, Sense |

Many meditation techniques refer to the regulation and heightened awareness of breath (Pranayama Yoga being the prime example). One possible reason for this is that the ontology of breath makes it particularly suitable for this use. Breath is, by nature, not apprehensible to the visual sense, but is only possible to experience through touch or proprioception; the feel of the air passing over the surface of our skin; the movements of the body which accompany breathing. It is also experienced primarily as an internal sensation, although one which connects inside and outside, self and world.