The Power of Breath by Lexie Wolf
Last weekend, during our Tantra immersion, I was reminded of the incredible power of breath to create shifts in our physical and emotional states. Throughout the weekend, we explored various techniques designed to help us experience life more fully and positively, with breath serving as a vital thread connecting everything we practiced.
Breathing techniques are most commonly used to cultivate and maintain calmness. Many effective methods relax our nervous systems and interrupt the reactivity that can disrupt our lives. Achieving a state of calm amidst life’s peaks and valleys is essential for living comfortably and effectively, especially when we need to recover during challenging times. I find it interesting to remember that as a child, I feared flying and thunderstorms and often relied on my breath and repetitive mantras to calm myself. I think we all know innately how to use these tools. But sometimes we need to remember them.
When we can stay mostly calm and centered, we open ourselves to greater possibilities. Clearing the mind creates space for creativity, insight, and clarity. Specific breathing techniques, some of which are a bit more intense, help facilitate mental clarity. During meditation, simply focusing on the breath—without trying to alter it—can keep intrusive thoughts at bay, fostering a kind of spacious awareness. As the sage Patanjali describes, Yoga is “the control of the fluctuations of the mind-stuff.” I love this awkward but spot-on translation. The benefits of learning to control the fluctuations of the mind-stuff cannot be understated. It is hard work and breath-centered techniques help a lot.
Once we tame the mind and create some clarity and spaciousness, we have the opportunity to elevate our consciousness. During this weekend’s Breath of Life workshop, we engaged in powerful breathwork practices that took us beyond calmness and clarity, leading us into to a state of bliss. I was not surprised to have several people tell me that this workshop was transformational for them. The bliss state described in Yoga as Samadhi embodies pure awareness and oneness with the universe. The beauty of Samadhi is that it requires no beliefs; it is entirely experiential. While achieving a sustainable state of Samadhi requires long term meditation practice, powerful breathwork or even psychedelics can offer shortcuts and offer us a taste, providing a profound motivation to continue our inner work.
But first, we simply find our breath. Ready?
Turn your entire attention to the fact that you are breathing. Since we do not breathe in the past or the future, you are now anchored in the present moment. That's it - you are on the path. Here, now, everything is possible.
