For years, I would do what needed to be done in order to loose a few pounds, would fall off the healthy wagon, would get back on track, fall off again. You get the picture! Who hasn’t been there?
At the time, I was totally unaware of what yogis called spiritual anatomy also known as energy body. I was operating on the physical (doing and undoing) and mental (being essentially controlled by my mind) levels. Depending on my mood, I was creating strenuous regimen or chaos, which can only cause confusion, fear, anger, frustration, shame, etc.
Spiritual anatomy: The Chakras and The Nadis
I first became aware of the energy body through my Vipasasna Silent Meditation Retreats and deepened my knowledge with the work I did (and still do) with Donatella, a dear friend who has an incredible gift for recognizing subtle energies.
The ancient yogic texts describe the psychic channels and energetic anatomy (chakras and nadis). Today, yoga practitioners can rediscover the spiritual anatomy through exploration and practice.
Spiritual anatomy consists of seven major chakras in our body and many minor ones. Chakra means wheel. They are energy centers and are considered the focal points for the reception and transmission of energies.
There are three main nadis and seven lesser ones. Nadi means ‘little river’ or ‘current’ and are the channels through which the energies of the subtle body flow. The most important nadi (Sushumna) is so subtle that it is described as being a thousand times thinner than a hair.
Old Entrenched Emotions and Energy
Do you remember thinking, “But how can I eat like that after being so good?”
The thing is: It is NOT about being good or bad.
Our choices are influenced by what is going on in our bodies and the thoughts and emotions we experience.
We are all carrying the past, which includes energy of abuse, powerlessness, fear, trauma and unworthiness, and these energies influence our thoughts, emotions and, ultimately, our actions.
In his book A New Earth, Eckhart Tolle explains, “Any negative emotion that is not fully faced and seen for what it is in the moment it arises does not completely dissolve. It leaves behind a remnant of pain. The remnants of pain form an energy field that lives in the very cells of your body.”
How to Gain Mind Control and Emotional Freedom
By controlling the breath, we learn to control the mind and observe the subtle vibrations. Interestingly, there is a correlation between our state of mind and our breath. When we are calm, our breath is calm, deep and slower but when we are emotional, our breath becomes shallow and our breathing rate increases.
When we consciously take a deep breath through the nose, we are connecting to our true self: The peaceful, loving and joyful version of who we really are.
As we develop awareness and process the energy body, we become lighter and clearer. Our mental and emotional understandings rise to a new level. We are able to see the bigger picture, to see the wisdom behind it all, not just what is in front of us. Our ability to learn from experience expands. We experience personal power.
The Benefits of Deep, Conscious Breathing:
· Calms and strengthens the mind generating clarity;
· Increases awareness of the present moment;
· Purifies the nervous system;
· Opens the chakras and increases consciousness;
· Creates strong lungs;
· Increases our breathing capacity and oxygen intake;
· Rids the body of toxins, mostly carbon dioxide;
· Improves gland function;
· Alleviates chronic pain, tension and other illnesses.
Prananayama Techniques
Prana means energy. Yama means control. Pranayama is the conscious control of the inhalation, retention and exhalation of the breath.
During my Life of A Yogi Teacher Training at the Dharma Mittra Yoga Center, I learned many different Pranayama techniques. One of my favorites is Nadi Sodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing).
Cathy’s Action Health Tips:
1) Mark your calendar: Plan 4 minutes to watch the Nadi Sodhana video and learn how to practice it.
2) Every morning, before getting up, take the time to breathe deeply, to go within your body and feel it. Begin 5-10 rounds of Nadi Sodhana and add more as you feel ready. Remember to keep your breathing slow.
4) Learn more about how your mind prevents you from living the life of your dreams, how to release energy and other fundamental concepts. Order A New Earth by Ecckhart Tolle now.
5) Interested in knowing more about spiritual anatomy? I recommend two awesome books on this subject: 1) The Subtle Body: An Encyclopedia of Your Energetic Anatomy By Cyndi Dale; 2) The Book of Chakras: Discover the Hidden Forces Within You By Ambika Wauters.
I Would Love to Hear From You!
Do YOU incorporate deep and conscious breathing into your daily routine? How does it make you feel? How did it change your life? What do you think about the concept of stuck energy, which blocks the flow of life? Any thoughts about living ‘in the now’ through breathing and about how it impacts your life?
I am sincerely interested in knowing what is or isn’t working for you and would love to hear from you. Send me an email to let me know.
To Your Long, Healthy, and Passionate Life !
Cathy
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