Beyond Words
My youngest child was crying uncontrollably because of something that happened. I could barely understand what he was saying while his body shook from being emotionally upset. What did I notice most - his breath. It was fast and erratic.
In the past, I would try to offer words of comfort or reason, letting him know that everything was going to be ok, or tell him to take a deep breath. Instead, I held him in my arms. I didn’t try to change his feelings. I didn’t try to shift how he perceived the situation. I didn’t use words at all.
I simply changed the way I was breathing.
I held him and began to breathe deeply and slowly. In less than a minute, his breathing changed, too! He stopped crying. His breath was slow, deep, and calm. Our breaths had synchronized. How incredible.
At that moment, my heart opened - exploding with gratitude. I was grateful for the transformative power of love, the transformative power of breath - love and breath, two energies that exist beyond words or reason.
This is “Life Power.”
We are alive because of the breath - the first gift we receive in life.
Through Naam and my teacher Dr. Levry, I have come to experience “Breath as Life Power.” I have come to experience breath as a form of nourishment.
We can breathe in a way that strengthens, connects, and heals us or breathe in a way that weakens, disconnects, or brings illness.
How long can you live without food? How long can you live without water? How long can you live without the Breath? Why not take care of your breath and make it the most important thing you do in life?
The way we breathe has a direct effect on our health, mind, surroundings, and others.
By changing our internal world through the breath, we change our external world.
When I first went to Dr. Levry for guidance and a personal practice, I said, “I want energy. I need energy to support this beautiful life I have created full of family and work. Whatever you give me, I’m going to do it and commit to it.”
I didn’t realize I was exhausted from my emotions, thoughts, and worries - habits from being a parent. It was not the activity that was exhausting. It was how I was thinking, feeling, and breathing that was exhausting me.
As a result of my morning practice, I received the energy! I’m so glad I asked for what I needed. This energy became a form of wealth in my life. I could create, heal, parent, work, and give with this energy. Through my practice, I slept better, woke up refreshed, more creative, relaxed, and kinder to my family. I didn’t change my diet, reduce my activities, or try out new parenting techniques. I simply changed the way I breathed.
Since I was changing, my life was changing, my family’s life was changing.
Dr. Levry says that “Every breath is a prayer.” Every time I hear or think of this, I am reminded of the power of life that moves through us all.
To pray is a simple act of creating an intention. What are you asking for? What do you want to receive in your life? What are you creating in your life through the breath?
The breath needs attention and direction. So give your breath attention and direction.
Remember, you can always choose how you breathe, and through your breath, you can choose your state of being.
Deepen Your Practice: Try out three-point breath to calm the mind, raise your frequency, and bring harmony and balance to your life.
Three-point breath is a 1:1:1 ratio. Inhale for 8 counts, hold the breath in for 8 counts, and exhale for 8 counts. Over time, you can lengthen your breath cycle. Do this for three minutes and notice how you feel. You can lean on the rhythm of this breath. Rhythm in this breath is the key to relaxation.
A side note: As you inhale, you are working on the glandular system. When you hold the breath in, you balance your blood chemistry, and emotions. And when you exhale, you work on the Nervous System.
*Safety Guideline: If you are pregnant or have a heart condition, do not hold your breath. Work with slow deep breathing instead.
To learn more breathing exercises and transform your life, schedule a session with me or take a class.
Leana Randol is a 300+ hour Certified Naam Yoga teacher, Harmonyum Healing practitioner, & Reflexology therapist. Her life experiences as a professional ice skater, preschool teacher, and mother of two boys has inspired her and led her to Naam and healing. Leana is dedicated to sharing the wisdom and methods of Naam as a path to radiant health. She believes, “Every day is a gift to create a life you love with joy & purpose!”