Just Breathe

In yoga, there are eight limbs. Many think it is a simple practice of body movement. The Asana (or physical practice) is one part and, yet, these other seven limbs are so often forgotten by those unfamiliar. Yoga has become one of the most profound spiritual rituals I have encountered. Possibly it's because I am such a physical person. My life has revealed to me that often I need a physical manifestation of a spiritual experience for true integration and yoga offers this to me.

The limb of yoga, which is loosely translated from Sanskrit to English as breath control, is called Pranayama. On a very basic level, it's an awareness of the breath in the practices of Yoga. For me, it has become an awareness of the life force flowing in and out of my body. The form of Pranayama that has proven most beneficial for me has been Ujjayi. This practice is done by only breathing through the nose for a set count, while closing your throat part of the way. This type of breathing is characterized by the sounds of a low hissing. For me, I love the visualization of breathing in the sounds of ocean waves being pulled back from the shore, contrasted with the waves crashing against the sand. This practice keeps me mindful of the deep inhalations and full exhalations while moving through the Asana.

So often in my life, I find myself not breathing. By practicing Pranayama in my daily Asana, I am now more aware of my breath. Usually I breathe in and hold it, forgetting to release this life force now that it has nourished my body. Why is it so hard to let go? Why do I want to cling to things so deeply? How can I release that which I no longer need?

The answer: because I am human. Part of my humanity continues to reveal that I cling to things. Whether it's people, ideals, thought processes, habits, possessions, love, hate, fear, or what other people think of me, I want to hold on tight. It's like breathing in and desperately wanting to cling to the breath, even though all the oxygen is gone and my body so needs the release. Life is like this breath.

I know I am meant to take in my life, reflect, learn, grow, and release that which is no longer needed. I know that I am meant to be free from the circumstances and take the spiritual lessons and move through this life. The fluidity of water emanated from my mind. I can see what happens when one tries to encapsulate water and the water continues to raise - a breach of barriers. When I hold my life like that, I begin to feel the suffocation of the rise. My life becomes unmanageable and I am not at peace.  I am consumed and cannot see a way out.

The breath work I continue to do keeps me ever mindful of the practice off my mat. I must remember to breathe. I must remember to let go of that which is no longer needed. I must trust God's guidance in this process. The lingering of circumstance lets me know there's still more to learn. I must trust the process - the unfolding of my life.  

Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out.