Breathe: About the Healing Properties of the Air Element
© Johannes Plenio
As liberating as it may be, the breath and the air connects us all. We are all aware that we need to breathe to stay alive. It may sound so simple and natural.
Yet, with the years, our breath could become scattered, distracted, shallow, interrupted, thus it becomes more and more difficult for us to access a peaceful harmonious nurturing breath.
Breath is Liberation ~ Breath is Connection ~ Breath is Life
When we become stressed our breath is directly affected. When we breathe in a way that is scattered, it causes physical and emotional stress. We end up in a vicious cycle and create ever more pressure on our wellbeing, relationships and state of mind.
I studied diverse forms of pranayamas (breathing techniques) and dhyana (meditations: stating the mind and accessing a high level of consciousness) in which we learn ways to breathe based on specific research made with clear intentions and purposes. I explored breathwork which brought to the surface profound hidden memories and stresses that were stored in my body and mind. It has been very liberating and lead to profound healing experiences.
We can breathe to survive ~ We can breathe to thrive.
In previous articles, I shared about other elements: Healing Waters, Earth Rituals and Spark of Joy (Fire Element). In this article you will find a dharmic perspective of the Air Element.
I invite you to explore how the mind and the breath affects all five elements and five bodies:
Breathe to clarify your mind – Mindfulness
When we bring awareness of our breath and learn to guide it with clarity, it requires a high level of concentration and clarity of mind.
The mind is like the sky with sometimes clouds (thoughts) passing by. Breath is like the wind, it clears the clouds, the worries and confusions. When we breathe we clarify our thoughts and bring in more oxygen to support concentration, memory and alertness. When we are aware of our breath and focus our attention to its rhythm, to its temperature, to its depth, we slowly detach from worries and distractions.
Do you want to clarify your mind? – Just Breathe!
Many times when worries take over, we can direct our attention to our breath and access a space of clarity. When we have a clear positive perspective towards life, we develop peace with who we are, with what we have, with where we are at this present moment, with the space we live in.
Breathe to uplift your vitality
Breathe to activate your energy: We can balance our energy with specific breathing exercises. FireBreath is a form of pranayama (breathing technique) that stimulates and balances the warmth in our body. Then the energy can circulate with more strength and vitality, which supports our leadership skills.
There is a relationship in between the air and the fire element:
Do you need more energy? – Just Breathe!
When we do have a clear mind and reflection we direct our actions with purpose. Our thoughts direct our actions, like the wind gives the direction to the flame. Also, when we listen to the voice of the heart, our thoughts become more compassionate and loving. It reminds us that the sun brings warmth in the air.
Breathe to release emotions
Breathe to release emotions for balance and stress release: When we access a profound breath, it releases emotional stress. Our body has the tendency to accumulate stress in the emotional body. A deep breath can reach those levels in a healing way. It gives a chance to surrender and to clear repressed emotions. The channels of the water gets clear and we experience a harmonious relief.
Do you want to release emotional stress? – Just Breathe!
Cultivating emotional intelligence requires for us to let go of our judgements over our emotions. There are no positive or negative emotions, it is what we do with them and how we perceive them that can transform them into negative or positive. They are just… emotions. When we observe our emotions and listen to them with equanimity we give them space to flow and then we can them creatively to nurture healthy relationships.
Breathe for balance and wellbeing
Breathe for relaxation and sleep: Sometimes we feel restless and it can be difficult to access a space of stillness and relaxation. Bringing awareness to our breath helps to release attachments and anxiety. We become more mindful.
Do you want to relax? – Just Breathe!
If you feel agitated, take some time to observe your breath. When you are aware of its rhythm, you begin to guide it creating a slightly longer exhalation than the inhalation. You will notice some relaxation and slowly find more ease in your breath, in your body, in your mind. When you find more ease, you will visualize every part of your body relaxing slowly from head to toes.
Breathe for connection
Do you want to awaken? – Just Breathe!
The air connects us all. It does free our mind from struggle. It releases stress. It removes toxins from our body. It is source of liberation.
When someone tells me that he or she does not have 15minutes to meditate per day, I highly suggest them to meditate 30min minimum per day.
There are many forms of meditation and breathing techniques. Each ones have different purposes and offers specific benefits. I highly recommend you to contact professionals in your area or at the Healing Hotel you will visit this Summer to learn ways that will fit your needs, and that are aligned with your intention.
Kindly,
Christelle Chopard ~ Amarun
Founder DHARMI® Method
