Finding Shangri La: Breathing Space: Week 1

According to statistics, 75-80 percent of all illnesses and visits to the doctors have stress at their foundation.  For some it is a result of not having enough time for all of the tasks that are required; for others, it is one’s viewpoint of a situation that creates the stress reaction.  Stress is a concept.  It is also necessary to a degree in order to function.  In fact, short bursts of infrequent stress reactions have proven to actually enhance immune function.  It is the long term, unrelenting stress and limited means to cope with it that is dangerous and that is eroding our quality of life.  Help is on the way and it isn’t complicated, although it does require a commitment that is as essential as brushing your teeth or locking the door behind you to secure your home or car.  Over the next several weeks I’m going to explore some very simple breathing techniques that will help to restore your sanity and your health.  Before we begin, let’s remember that when we stop the flow of breath, we stop the flow of energy to the brain to a certain extent, and also to our internal organs, which suffer tremendously from lack of oxygen as well.  This week we’re going to learn the first breath of 6 which I call, The Six Healing Breaths.  At the end of 6 weeks, you will have the whole set and the correct order in which to perform them depending on whether you are male or female.  Here’s the good news:  You can do all of these while you are still comfortably in bed and they take less then 10 minutes to perform. Let’s get started:  Number 1: Breath of the Liver: Seated; eyes closed; inhale through the nose;exhale-looking downward into your lap, out of the mouth, while making a "sh" sound.  (This sounds like you are "shushing" someone as if to offer them relief-like a small child).  Repeat 1,3,6, or 9 times.  Grab your left thumb and rub it until it feels hot, then repeat with the right thumb.   This breath relieves the stress caused by  worry to the Liver.   You can perform this anytime except between 1-3 PM in the afternoon.  It is very enjoyable and a very effective way to mentally tell yourself that everything is going to be all right.  Make a commitment to practice every day and tune in next week for next in the series.  Shangri La is closer than you think!  Believe!

 

 

Acharya Sri Khadi Madama is available for consulting & coaching based on the concepts in her book, Finding Shangri La: Seven Yoga Principles for Creating Success & Happiness, available at Barnes & Noble, Borders Books and Amazon.com  on line.  You may also visit her web site at www.yourstrulyyogatv.vpweb.com