As a spiritual practice, breathwork is often sold with the promises of altered states of consciousness, visionary experiences, communication with ancestors and guides, and speaking light language. These esoteric notions can sometimes overshadow the simple and profound reasons why one might engage in breathwork.
For me, breathwork is not just a mystical voyage (although it is that too); it is a Kriya—a concept I was introduced to during a breathwork session. Kriya, a Sanskrit word meaning "action" or "deed," encapsulates the essence of my breathwork practise. In Yogic tradition, Kriya represents a set of specific exercises, breathing techniques, and sound mantras, which are designed to unlock energy channels or chakras within the body, and facilitate subtle yet profound transformations in body and mind. They can energize, calm, or induce transcendent states.
At its core, Kriya is a form of pranayama, the practice of controlling life energy (prana). By harnessing and directing our life force, we gain greater control over the mind's ceaseless fluctuations, allowing us to become masters of our thoughts. Through Kriya, one can revitalize the subtle currents of prana in the spine and brain, leading to heightened consciousness and personal evolution. The practice not only cleanses the energy channels within the body but also balances the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Kriya not only clears our minds, stimulates the brain and nourishes every cell in our body, but it also goes beyond the physical realm, reaching into the depths of our being.
My journey into breathwork is a practice of being present with myself. It is a means of tracking my energy, emotions, and thoughts, while clearing my energy field of the clutter that accumulates in daily life. Beyond the mystical allure, breathwork, as a Kriya, provides me with the tools to live an intentional life, fostering a life driven by purpose rather than dictated by conditioned patterns. It empowers me to think thoughts, rather than being subject to their whims, and guides me towards spontaneous right action. Breathwork is a powerful ally on the path to self-realization and personal transformation.
In his autobiography, Paramahansa Yogananda proclaims that Kriya is the most potent practice for personal evolution, transcending limitations, expanding consciousness, and realizing one's true self. So how does Kriya achieve these profound transformations? In essence, Kriya enhances our access to subtle energy and guides this energy in various ways, unlocking hidden potential within us.
Image credit: Reinald Rime
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