Breathing For Health

www.DailyOm. April 13, 2005
Breathing For Health
Deep Belly Breaths

Most of us take the act of breathing for granted, but without it we could not exist. Breath is the essence of life, and although we are always doing it, many of us do not do it properly. The simple act of breathing has become a scientific study, with books and workshops to instruct us how to do it correctly. So vital is proper breathing to physical, mental, and emotional health, that it is a primary component to many yoga practices. Pran means “life force”and yama means “control”. Pranayama then is “control of breath”.

Breath not only provides the oxygen so necessary to life, it connects our body to our mind and spirit. Natural, healthy breathing is essential to good health. Not only does proper breathing enhance heart, lung, and brain function, but oxygen flow is necessary to cell reproduction. A “cleansing breath” is aptly named for the intake of oxygen that restores the entire system. Breathing also puts us in touch with ourselves. Taking the time to learn to breathe properly makes us conscious of our breath, calling us to be present. Simple breathing techniques can relieve stress and help us work through anger and even depression.

A baby sleeping is the perfect example of proper breathing. The deep belly breathing that babies engage in, without even trying, is how best to oxygenate the body. Breathing deeply into the diaphragm brings energy to the Solar Plexus, the chakra that governs ego, emotions, and intellect. Following a baby’s example, breathe deeply through your nose, expanding your abdomen fully. Slowly and completely exhale through your nose, pulling your abdomen in so that all the air is released before taking another full belly breath. Practicing deep belly breaths regularly will get you into the habit of breathing properly all the time, just like a baby.

Being Clear About Desires- Getting What We Want

August 20, 2008
Being Clear About Desires
Getting What We Want

The best way to get what we want from life is to first know what we want. If we haven’t taken the time to really understand and identify what would truly make us happy, we won’t be able to ask for it from those around us or from the universe. We may not even be able to recognize it once it arrives. Once we are clear about what we want, we can communicate it to those around us. When we can be honest about who we are and what we want, there is no need to demand, be rude or aggressive, or manipulate others that are involved in helping us get what we want. Instead, we know that we are transmitting a signal on the right frequency to bring all that we desire into our experience.As the world evolves, humanity is learning to work from the heart. We may have been taught that the way to get what we want is to follow certain rules, play particular games, or even engage in acts that use less than our highest integrity. The only rules we need to apply are those of intention and connection. In terms of energy, we can see that it takes a lot of energy to keep up a false front or act in a way that is counter to our true nature, but much less energy is expended when we can just be and enjoy connections that energize us in return. Then our energy can be directed toward living the life we want right now.

Society has certain expectations of behavior and the roles each of us should play, but as spiritual beings we are not bound by these superficial structures unless we choose to accept them. Instead, we can listen to our hearts and follow what we know to be true and meaningful for us. In doing so, we will find others who have chosen the same path. It can be easy to get caught up in following goals that appear to be what we want, but when we pursue the underlying value, we are certain to stay on our right path and continue to feed our soul.