Breath

Breath is the foundation of life as it fortifies the organism with oxygen, pranic life force, and energetic chi. The rate of the breath significantly impacts the  state of the individual. Faster breathing energizes. It diminishes feeling and makes one ready for action. Slower breathing relaxes and opens the inner space, preparing one for meditation, reflection, or contemplation.

The depth of the breath regarding the volume of air taken into the lung impacts the amount of Life Force and oxygen brought in. Deeper, fuller breathing nourishes the energy bodies completely. It results in clarity and heightened awareness.

Typically, Western breathing is shallow and quick, designed for action and getting things done. It is unfeeling and creates separation. It does not really support clearing and release, but invites holding on and storing.

In contrast, Eastern breathing is slow and deep. It is for calming, focusing, healing, and inner exploration. It supports Being and is very useful for the circulation and storing of the Life Force.

It follows that it is extremely beneficial if one is conscious of how breath can be used for specific energetic purpose. Knowing a relaxing breath, an energizing breath, and a processing breath is desirable.

The relaxing breath involves four steps viewed like a rectangle. 4 beats inhalation, 2 beats hold, 4 beats exhalation, 2 beats hold. This is one cycle. Once learned then the numbers can be expanded  to extend the time it takes for one cycle of breathing. The slower it becomes the more relaxed, centered, and aware one becomes.

An energizing breath can be the Breath of Fire from some Kundalini practices. Breathe in and out through the nose as quickly as you can to the belly. Like a bellows the air is pulled in and the chi distributes quickly to create an highly alert and energized state. Start with 15 seconds and work up to a minute or more to really feel the effects.

Finally, a breath that came from the Rebirthing Movement of the 70’s and 80’s is Circular Breathing. Like the new born infant the person breaths in and out with no pause, slowly and deeply. It is particularly useful when in an emotional state as the supercharge of chi, oxygen, and life force combine to assist in the releasing of the stuck emotional energetic debris. Basically it facilitates the cleansing of emotional baggage and elevates one into a higher vibration.

There are many more breathing strategies, but these are three that will really support you. Above all learn to breathe deeply and slowly…this has the greatest benefit.

Heartbeat

The Heart is the primary organ of circulation of the blood throughout the body. It is also being heralded as the new Root Chakra in these times of expanding Oneness. The heart is the center, the entry point for the foundational Love Vibration that is being felt these days. It is also the dimensional doorway for shamanic practices. The sino-atrial point is the place where the beat originates and is maintained. It also aligns with the pituitary and the medulla energetically. This forms a powerful triangle where high frequency intentions are washed in Love and put into motion and action.

The slower the heart rate the more centered, relaxed, and focused one is. It follow that one would want to keep the heart strong and moving slowly. Exercise helps this. So does the breathing.

The heart is also a nerve center with more nerve endings that the brain or the plexus. This center of consciousness is vital in assisting us in coming from compassion, empathy, and unconditional love. Choosing to access heart consciousness first is becoming the primary tool for expansion in this awakening times. The intuitive hit and the faithful leap into action builds the muscles of multidimensional connection.

Brainwaves

The human brain is a physical center for mind consciousness. It historically houses thoughts and beliefs that impact greatly how life shows up for us, within and without. Brainwaves are measurable. The frequency vibration of the wave alters consciousness, from highly alert, to deeply receptive and open. Understanding the brainwaves can allow you to consciously control your mental state.

In the symbiotic dance of the body, it is beautiful that the rate of breath and heart rate impact the current brain wave. Learning to align them all will put you in a potent place of unparalleled clarity, with all your faculties at hand.

The brain wave states are as follows:

Gamma 27 Hz and up…Gamma is associated with the formation of ideas, language and memory processing, and various types of learning. Gamma waves have been shown to disappear during deep sleep induced by anesthesia, but return with the transition back to a wakeful state.

Beta 12hz - 27hz Wide awake. This is generally the mental state most people are in during the day and most of their waking lives. Usually, this state in itself is uneventful, but don't underestimate its importance. Many people lack sufficient beta activity, which can cause mental or emotional disorders such as depression and ADD. and insomnia. And low SMR production (a sub-range of beta at 12-15hz) may be related to insomnia. Stimulating beta activity can improve emotional stability, energy levels, attentiveness and concentration.

Alpha 8hz - 12hz Awake but relaxed and not processing much information. When you get up in the morning and just before sleep, you are naturally in this state. When you close your eyes your brain automatically starts producing more alpha waves. Many studies monitoring the EEG activity of experienced meditators have revealed strong increases in alpha activity. Alpha activity has also been connected to the ability to recall memories, lessened discomfort and pain, and reductions in stress and anxiety.

Theta 3hz - 8hz Light sleep or extreme relaxation. Theta is also a very receptive mental state that has proven useful for hypnotherapy, as well as self-hypnosis using recorded affirmations and suggestions.

Delta 0.2hz - 3hz Deep, dreamless sleep. Delta is the slowest band of brainwaves. When your dominant brainwave is delta, your body is healing itself and "resetting" its internal clocks. You do not dream in this state and are completely unconscious.

Brain waves can be altered through meditation practices, listening to binaural recordings, spending time in nature, etc.

You are highly advised to take advantage of the three elements for they interact and support one another to make manifest a consistent state of alignment, clarity, and smooth function.