Conscious breathing

As another week is coming to an end, I am revisiting this recent picture that shows a firefighter gearing up to fight the Loyalton Fire, burning near my house. It consumed approximately 48,000 acres of land, destroyed houses, killed wildlife and life stock, as well as a pilot that was fighting the inferno. Part of my town had to evacuate and the winds threatened to drive the flames further into my direction. Luckily this was not the case, but much of California is still engulfed in flames and destruction. Another thing that was simply awful was the heavy, thick smoke that caused unhealthy air quality in my location, and which still flare up here and there depending on the wind direction.

It took breathing, something we do every day to a whole other level. It was difficult and I must fall into one of the sensitive groups that struggle during times like these. Being stuck in the house for 6 days, unable to open windows or go for a walk to get some fresh air, left me feeling congested and clammy. You can recycle the air as much as you want, nothing beats fresh air and the outside.

And then I remembered the difference between breathing and conscious breathing. Have you ever heard of it? Perhaps you remember your Mom or a friend telling you to take a deep breath during stressful situations. It was meant as a way to calm you down, redirect your energy and that’s what it is all about.

In kundalini yoga breath work is a vital part. Becoming aware of your breathing (conscious breathing) infuses your body with calmness. It’s a way to look inward to realign yourself. The same happens in Reiki and other energy modules. Breathing goes hand in hand with moving energy, whether you are healing, boosting or grounding. Conscious breathing has so many physiological and etheric benefits it’s impossible to name them all here. Just be aware that conscious breathing oxygenates you’re brain and all your cells, focuses your attention, and stokes your etheric Fire by energizing your chakras. We are energetic beings and breathing turns the switch on.

A big thank you goes out to our first responders, and the ones risking their lives to protect ours. Thank you for all you do that allows us to breathe again.