Breathing as a Spiritual Bridge

Breathing in, I calm my body.
Breathing out, I smile.
Dwelling in the present moment
I know this is a wonderful moment.
Thich Nhat Hanh

Spirit is the animating or vital principle of all living beings. The English word “spirit” has its origins in the Latin spiritus, a word that derives from an Indo-European root meaning “to breathe.” Thus, our life force is infused and promoted with each breath we take.

Pranayama is a cornerstone of yogic practice and focuses on controlling and regulating the breath. It ushers in a seemingly mystical ability to soothe and revitalize us on many levels. With conscious breathwork, prana — the vital force that harmoniously circulates in the body and the universe — is cultivated and moved with intent throughout the body. When a person is angry or agitated, his breath is fast, disturbed and shallow. When a person is calm, his breath is soft and undisturbed. What yoga teaches is that not only our emotions control the quality of our breath, but we can control the mind and our emotions by controlling our breathing.

Breath is the bridge connecting our energy body to the infinite universal body of energy, so breath unites body, mind, and soul to the universe. Automatic breathing in and out is a biological process, but if you breathe with total awareness, something dramatic occurs. Breathing changes from an unconscious default process into one that purposefully brings life-initiating, sustaining, and healing prana to the body.

What yoga teaches us is that not only do our emotions control the quality of our breath, but we can control the mind and our emotions by controlling our breathing. Through breath we are not only connected to the life-giving functions within our bodies, but also to the external world through which we receive the life-sustaining energy of prana through air, food, and sunshine. Breath is a conduit to the unlimited supply of prana that sustains all life, the ecological balance of the planet, and the evolution of all species. While it has been established that there is a strong connection between the physical body and the mind, our sciences are only beginning to recognize the essential role and impact that breath has on our physical and mental makeup.

We take around 23,000 breaths per day, mostly unconsciously. By practicing conscious breathing, results which are both life- and health-altering begin to be experienced - a calmer mind and body; reduction of stress and anxiety; fuller and more complete breathing; increased oxygen supply to the blood, brain, heart, organs, and limbs; reduction of appetite and weight gain; healthier and more productive lungs; a release of muscular tension; and preparation for deeper meditation. And, of course, there’s a significantly more productive immune system, greater systemic alkalinity, increased energy, and less overall inflammation.

Of course, there are many mind-body-spirit methods of breathing from cultures all over the world, including Taoist Qigong breathing, Tibetan Pranayama, shamanic breathwork, breathing practices associated with Zen meditation, and others. They all seem to point to one universal truth — that we are more than just physical beings lost in a confusing world. Rather, we ARE the world itself, and the breath that flows into and out of us also does so through all things and through all of time.

Adapted from the writings of Vic Shayne in UPLIFT, 20200130