My personal focus includes engaging in daily deep breathing techniques which allow me to be grounded and spiritual, supporting my inner peace.

Practicing deep breathing daily allows me to be more focused. In addition, it inspires learning and a continued connection to a deep purpose which are elements of my self-knowing. As a result, I am better able to express my innate potential in the world.

I have found through my breathing my focus awakens the body’s wisdom for complete health and self-realization; how to raise a happy, wholesome and body-wise like child within me, through my breath and meditations.

Breathing techniques focus on a wide range of release(s), most common of stress, leading to better health, more happiness, and for me a yearning to learn, be more peaceful and harmonious.

My goal through the practice of physical postures and exercises, breath regulation, deep relaxation and meditative techniques is to achieve a unitive, mystical state of consciousness known as ‘Samadhi,’ which is consistent with a deep experience of overall spirituality.

I have found there are transient states of consciousness, usually lasting for only a few moments up to few minutes and distinctly different from normal consciousness.

Typically, my experiences are passive, not a product of personal control rather they are usually intensely positive and joyful. I often sense the presence of an awe-inspiring transcendent….you are smiling with appreciation if you know this description all too well.

It’s a noetic element of revelation, a sudden knowing of a new truth. An experience of unity with mankind, nature and the universe.

Some describe this as a “mystical experience.” Other’s describe it as enlightenment, Kundalini or Spiritual Awakening, Transcendence, Peak Experience, cosmic or Universal Consciousness, Flow State, Insight, Quantum Change, Nirvana and the list goes on.

3 Basic Breathing Techniques

I’d like to share 3 basic breathing techniques that anyone can practice to bring about more focus and inner peace.

1. Nose Breathing

Gently close the right nostril with the right thumb. Inhale slowly through the left nostril. Close the left nostril with the ring finger. Lift the thumb and exhale soothingly down the right nostril.

Breathe to stay BALANCED.

Practice of breath regulation is referred as “pranayama.” Yogis employ slow, deep, abdominal breathing. We all can benefit from this breathing like a yogi.

Notice your belling contracting as you inhale, this pranayama technique undoes bad breathing habits or chest breathing like in the case of an anxiety attack. It’s a form of abdominal breathing like in the case of an infant, which redevelops a normal pattern of breath, all the while nourishing your entire being.

This slow, abdominal breathing also fires up the power of digestion, increases circulation, drains lymph and the exhalations massage the liver, stomach and internal organs. I can quickly feel the breath’s impact on my nerves, as it calms my mind and relieves any stress.

2. Abdominal Breathing

Sit upright or lay comfortably. Place your hand(s) gently on your abdomen as your eyes and mouth are closed. Slowly, breathe deeply through your nose, sending the breath to the abdomen, feel the stomach expanding. Breathe out slowly and deeply through your nostrils. Feel your hands draw toward you, belly contracting.

Repeat, as many times as you want or your body requires. Keep a rhythm. Notice with your next breath, lengthen your inhalation to count of five. Silently, count OM 1, OM 2, OM 3, OM 4, OM 5 to keep a rhythm.

Exhale for ten counts. Find your rhythm and repeat up to nine more times; inhaling for 5 and exhaling for 10.

One of my favorites is the 4 second magic anywhere, anytime….

3. 4 Seconds Breathing Technique

Breathe in counting to four slowly; allow the air to fill up your lungs. Hold your breath 4 seconds. Avoid inhaling or exhaling for 4 secs. Slowly exhale through your mouth for 4 seconds. Then repeat 1-3 times until you feel grounded again or fall asleep, whichever, comes first.

Vata Experience – Holding the breath for a prolonged period is a challenge for vata, hence an opportunity for expansion of the lung capacity.

Pitta Experience – As the pitta body can hold its breath for the longest period, it results in a meditative state that balances the sharp edges of the pitta nature.

Kapha Experience – As the kapha body is prone to respiratory congestion, it is quickly remedied, giving a feeling of lightness.

Spirituality, doesn’t dismiss faith; however, it often leans more on direct experience of the soul.

Spiritual practices such as meditation, yoga and silence allows one to make conscious contact with more expanded states of consciousness, thus helping to experientially validate the teachings rather than accepting them on faith alone.

Whereas, religion, is about faith; a belief in something based upon unconditional acceptance of the religion’s teachings. Unlike the scientific worldview, religions do not require evidence to validate their claims.

Through religion, many are taught to have faith in God or the scriptures as being the infallible and ultimate truth of reality. Acceptance and surrender to the divine are taught as the path that leads to ultimate salvation.

Spirituality Awakening vs. Psychosis

Sometimes when I describe this so called “awakening” to people they often think I am crazy or on drugs lol!

Quickly, I learned to realize this altered sense of self; it becomes important to understand and be able to differentiate tendencies between schizophrenia to spiritual advancement.

Although there may appear to be superficial similarities on the surface, the two differ in their intentions. In cases of psychosis, alterations of ‘sense of self’ involve weakening of the ego leading to its derangement and loss of control over mind and senses.

In spiritually advanced personalities, the ego is not deranged; rather, by surrendering to the higher being, it undergoes a gradual merging into a higher unlimited self (ego-effacement).

Such a person in fact, becomes aware of his ego and by developing mastery over it, gains the freedom to use it or let it go.

Quantum Change

Values and priorities…. often when I am serving as a Certified Guiding for the Master Key Experience, I love witnessing the enduring shift in many people’s values.

They are no longer possessed by their possessions. Often, characteristics that had been valued least became most important and those that had ranked as highest priorities fell to the bottom.

Spirituality, though not necessarily religion, became central for many.

Yoga, Breathing, and Meditation have helped me to connect my mind, body and spirit. I am more aware of their roles in making all things possible. I have more peace and the idea of increased peace of my mind. The richness of my spiritual self are the greatest riches of all.

Share your experience on Spirituality vs. Religion…..or simply leave a comment on your breathing journey to your life by design.

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