Breath as spirit

The Link Between Breath and Spirit – “Prana: The Source of Life and Inner Energy”

The connection between breathing and spirit lies at the core of every contemplative practice. In Sanskrit, the word “breath” represents “prana,” which has multiple meanings. In literary Sanskrit, “pr” means that which comes before, and “ana” means breath. What comes before the breath is the impulse towards life. It is unknown where this impulse comes from or how it manifests in the human being.

Breathing is one of the most mysterious facets of life experience. As long as breathing accompanies the body, it is alive, and when the breath departs, the body dies.

The Story of the Senses – The Contest for Supremacy

In the Upanishads, there is a story about the senses:
The five main functions of the body—speaking, seeing, hearing, thinking, and breathing—were having a discussion about which one is the most important. To resolve the dispute, they decided that each one should leave the body and observe which absence is felt the most.

First to leave was speaking, but the body continued to nourish itself even though it was mute.
Next was seeing, but the body continued to function even though it was blind.
Then hearing left the body, and the body continued to function.
Thought also departed, and the body was still alive, albeit unconscious.
When the breath started to leave, the body began to die, and thus the other functions acknowledged the supremacy of prana.

The moral of the story is that these basic abilities are not integrated. They are rather in competition to gain control over the body. When prana departs, it becomes clear that it is the one that energizes the other functions, and their control depends on controlling the breath.

To bring about positive change in the body and mind, it is necessary to understand the energy through which they work.

Prana: Vital Energy and Creative Power

Prana is the vital energy, the breath, the primary energy.
Prana has many meanings, from physical breath to conscious breath. Prana is not just the primary life force; it is the original power of creation, the master of all energies working on all levels of human existence.
The entire universe is a manifestation of prana. On a cosmic level, there are two aspects of prana. The first is unmanifested. It refers to the pure energy of consciousness, and the second is manifested: prana, representing the force of creation. In relation to physical existence, vital energy is a modification of the air element derived from the oxygen required for breathing. On a subtle level, air corresponds to the sense of touch, which makes us feel alive.

Pranayama – Exercises for Conscious Breathing

In the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, there is a verse that conveys the following: when the breath moves, the mind moves. When the breath is still, the mind is also still. Stability can be achieved through breath control. By calming and slowing down the breath, emotional and mental states can be improved.
It is advisable to start with a practice focused on the breath, through various types of pranayama.
By breathing calmly, the mind becomes tranquil, and when the states of calm and inner peace are extinguished, one can see one’s life and the choices made or to be made clearly.

Benefits of Pranayama – The Breath That Changes Your Life

Adults have between 15 and 18 breaths per minute. In moments of stress and anxiety, the number of breaths per minute increases, reaching 20-25, and the brain receives the message that it needs to be alert, which generates changes throughout the system.
To give the brain a moment of respite and recharge, it is necessary to decrease the number of respirations per minute to 5-7. Additionally, it is necessary to prolong the exhalation so that the message that the body is safe and can relax reaches the brain.

This can be achieved through a breath that is executed only through the nose, inhaling for 4 seconds and exhaling for 6 seconds. Through this simple and accessible exercise, we bring calm and tranquility to the entire system.

This calmness and associated tranquility translate into actions such as:
• Halting the stress response
• Activating the relaxation response
• Alleviating muscular pain
• Reducing abdominal discomfort
• Supporting healthy digestion
• Lowering blood pressure

You can start with a five-minute practice per day and gradually increase by 2-3 minutes when you feel you can sustain it. Choose one or two days per week when you can allocate those minutes for yourself and be present in your practice. Try to maintain the routine on the chosen days and within the same time frame.

It is important not to force the breath to be as deep as possible but rather to remain connected to what you can do in that moment. Also, try to engage the abdomen more and the chest less when performing the breath. You cannot go wrong by practicing this breath. Furthermore, you can apply it throughout the day if you feel you are in a tense situation or overwhelmed by the activities of the day.

Embrace Love and Inner Peace

Set an intention when you begin your practice. At first, you will discover new sensations and states in your body, so you will need time to become accustomed to them and what they bring to you.

After finishing the practice, remain in the same position for a few minutes and observe the responses you receive regarding the set intention. In conclusion, invite love into your life and let it embrace you!