o you ever find yourself saying, “If I could just take a minute to breathe?” Well I wonder if you really know how important taking a dedicated breath really is. When we talk about the “breath” people don’t realize that they have access to an incredible resource that’s available 24/7, and the best part is, it’s absolutely free! Used to its full potential, it can have a significant and positive affect on your well-being. It can act as a channel to show you how powerful you are as a soul. You can tap in to it by simply taking your next breath. When we enter this world, the first thing we do is inhale, and before we leave this life, the last thing we do is exhale. Life is therefore one continuous series of breaths.
We’re often barely aware that we breathe and take this miraculous function of the body for granted. Once the breath becomes part of your everyday awareness, you’ll wonder how you survived before you started paying attention to it. After all, it affects everything you do.
Eastern and Western ancient spiritual philosophies teach us about the universal life force that runs through everything and everyone – including you. This spiritual energy breathes life into your body, and keeps you connected to the Universal Force, which surrounds you.
Ancient Chinese medicine has its own unique name for this universal energy that flows through us, which they refer to as chi. The Hindus call it Prana. It surges through our vital organs, permeates our bones, revitalizes our bloodstream, and other parts of the body along a network of internal systems called meridians. This spiritual energy is what healers and other natural health practitioners, such as acupuncturists, reflexologists, energy healers, and some massage therapists, work with in the process of removing blockages in our energy system.
When ignored, these blockages can manifest themselves in the body as ailments, aches and pains, or left untreated they can create imbalances in our mental and emotional states. Keeping the energy flowing smoothly throughout our system promotes a healthier mind and body. It would be wonderful to believe in utopia, that we all lead stress-free lives, but sadly we live in a fast-paced world where many of us are affected by stress. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of relieving tension and stress on a regular basis, whether it’s through massage therapy, yoga, meditation, or physical exercise. Find out what works best for you.
John’s Lesson
The human body is sustained by the same Prana that nourishes the universe. The body (your equipment) has the ability to control and utilize this special energy through the use of “Pranayama.” Please don’t let the word scare you, it simply means to control, channel, and direct the flow of Prana through the use of the breath. Prana exists in all things, yet it’s completely independent of them.
When our body is depleted of Prana, while we don’t go around saying, “I’m running low of Prana!” we often complain of feeling tired or unwell. This is when the breath must come first. So, when you start asking yourself, “Why am I looking exhausted, feeling stressed, or just generally out of balance?” stop for a moment and ask yourself where your energy is going and how you’ve been breathing recently.
This week consider the way you breathe as a reflection of how you live your life. If you’re breathing with shallow, restricted short breaths, it’s more than likely that you’re holding onto or suppressing your emotions and feelings. You’re limiting the potential of your life and the true nature of who you really are, but more important, who you can be. Prana is such an essential psychic force, that we should all be aware of its existence. You can and will have access to this universal reservoir.
So this week, try to make time several times throughout the day to take a moment and simply stop! Let go for just a few minutes of what you’re doing. Take a few cleansing breaths in and let them fill your lungs completely. As you breathe in deeply, let the air fill your stomach, moving the breath up so you’re taking a complete breath. Let go of all tensions on the out breath. Do this several times in a row. You’ll revitalize yourself with precious Prana, as well as strengthen the vital aura that surrounds you. Winter is here in the states, get outdoors, enjoy, and breathe!
Live a Soul-filled life!
