There are countless ways to awaken physically each day but all of them use the breath. Some people yawn and stretch their arms out to bring oxygen into their lungs quickly. Then they exhale with a sigh of resignation that it's time to awaken. The resigned simply crawl mindlessly out of bed to endure yet another day. But there are the fortunate few whose mind awakens with a sense of purpose. Can you mentally affirm with a sense of anticipation that there is work to be done and it's time to get going? Are you playing a passive recording in your head that says to opportunities, "Here I am; come to me." Or do you have the energy to reach out and expend the effort to acknowledge, "There you are; I'm coming!" Is it "all about you" (as in self) or are you willing to unleash the desire to be all about you helping others?
No, it's not a perfect world---far from it! But we're not perfect either, so today we have to decide what we're going to do about all the flaws around and within us. Are we going to judge others, which takes very little effort, and attempt to force people to see things our way, maybe even resorting to violent words or actions? Could there be a better way to change the world, one person at a time? Dare to dream of positive new ways to reach out and help others.
Here's another "new year" challenge for myself and the followers of this blog---Dare to dream big and fan the fires of your dream with the practice of "Bellows Breath" each time you awaken. Martin Luther King had a dream; you can have the energy to have one too! Release your own dreams and encourage those around you to release theirs as well. Be a "dream releaser."
- Physically---The "Bellows Breath" can be practiced lying on your back, sitting, kneeling or standing, so start your day, your way, but practice these big breaths to bring in all the spirit energy that you need to accomplish your dreams. While slowly opening your eyes and looking up, open your arms out to the sides and expand your lungs as the air (prana) is drawn through the nostrils only and into all parts of your lungs like the old fashioned tool, called a bellows, draws the air in through a small aperture by opening the handles wide. Pause briefly at the top of that inhalation to stretch the wrists back and feel the physical energy filling all the space in each lung three-dimensionally. As the exhalation begins, slowly lower the chin toward the lifted and expanded chest (engaging the jalandhara bandha) as the arms close together in front of the chest, squeezing the used and toxic air (apana) fully out of the lungs through the nostrils only. The movement of the arms mirrors the opening and closing of a bellows to draw the energy inward and then squeeze it out through the small aperture. Continue this slow, deep and rhythmic style of controlled breathing (pranayama) for at least 5 full cycles of breath before changing positions.
- Mentally---Carefully focus the attention on each full and present breath, noticing the energy rising upward through the body. Avoid thinking about anything other than each cycle of breath as it is occurring, and remember the source of each breath of life comes by permission of the God who created you with a specific purpose.
- Spiritually---Just as a bellows is used to stoke the embers in a dying fire, allow the opening of the arms and lungs to represent your acceptance and confidence in the dreams that have been placed deep within your heart by God. If you don't consciously know what they are, ask God to reveal them to you. And be patient as you practice "Bellows Breath" every day! It's also important to acknowledge that you've been given specific gifts (writing, speaking, teaching, nurturing, designing, drawing, building, singing, dancing, playing an instrument, etc.) that will help you to accomplish your dreams. As your arms close together in exhalation, squeeze out all fears or lack of confidence that would allow those dreams to fade or even die out. Breathe in the energy to work toward your dreams. There are 28 different Proverbs on the benefits of hard work! Here are just two:
"The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing." (Proverbs 20:4 KJV)
So plow diligently toward your dream with the breath of life that fills you with energy! plf
