The Expanding Breath – The Evolving Human

By Carol A. Lampman

“What can we do but keep on breathing in and out, modest and willing, and in our places?” – Mary Oliver

Our breath, along with our journey through life, is an ever expanding experience. We are continually learning more about the multi-dimensional functions contained within the simple act of breathing. Even the scientific understanding of the breath and its support of the physical body continues to grow. The process of breathing has been grossly underestimated. Studies prove that, in addition to supplying life giving oxygen to the cells of the body, respiration profoundly effects digestion, blood pressure, heart rate, brain function, stress levels, and the nervous system. There is so much more involved in the act of breathing than was ever imagined and it makes me wonder, what else will be discovered about this basic function of life.

There is something mysterious about the breath that we, in the Western culture, are only beginning to understand. In the East, knowledge of the energetic and transformational effect of the breath goes back centuries. They knew that the breath moved the vital life force energy (prana, chi, kundalini, etc), creating currents of energy that had a profound effect on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of our being. They understood that the energy recognized that the use of certain breathing practices (pranayama) created a shift in consciousness resulting in greater spiritual awareness and understanding it was considered an important tool for those on the path to enlightenment.

The breath is The Access Point or the path to the mystery of who we really are. In our modality, we have an understanding of the breath and use it to connect to the intricate and complex inner workings of the human bio-computer. The natural, organic altered state created by breath unites us with the greater awareness and wisdom of our essence. It connects us to a part inside, called by psychiatrist, Stan Grof, “the inner healer”. This remarkable, inner wisdom knows what is needed, at the right time and in exactly what sequence for transformation to occur. This connection to the breath can be used to heal physical dis-ease and trauma, release deep emotional pain, reprogram our personal bio-computer and open the gate to higher realms of consciousness.

The breath holds within it the key to our full potential. It is an energetic process and as we open, we create the space for more life force energy to move through us. The four levels of our being form a matrix within which every aspect is organized and interconnected. The levels are unified and cannot be separated; we have a body fueled by the breath, imbued with emotions, ruled by the dictates of the mind and joined by Spirit. The breath moves the life force energy which animates and integrates the totality of our being. It is the link between the conscious and unconscious, allowing us to travel to unexplored inner realms for growth and self-empowerment.

It comes down to the law of cause = affect. This is true of our thoughts and actions and equally true in our personal development. We cannot experience a shift or improvement in one aspect of our being without creating an equally powerful response in the others. As with the energy expands through the breath, every system of the body-mind becomes stronger and functions with more efficiency. Less of our life force energy is used to hold back and more of it is available to consciously create a desired reality. The body may even seem to become lighter and younger as chronic physical stress is relieved. Through the use of the breath, the energy of our emotions opens or balances and the programming of the unconscious mind which has caused so much pain and suffering in our lives is revealed. Our breath is our mysterious guide on the journey to wholeness.

There is no magic pill that will make it all happen instantly but the work with the breath is surely the fast track to greater freedom. In the Western culture, there is so much numbness and even more fear around facing the truth. Many people are overwhelmed by life and literally drowning in the sea of frustration. By learning to navigate the interior waters, we develop the ability to confront denials and rise above life’s difficulties. It is our birthright to experience a life of live, support and connection. We are not powerless or alone. There is a place of choice, where we have the ability to embrace joy as a defining principle in our lives; to choose to see the lesson or benefit when difficult things happen. The potential exists if we are willing to “dive in”; knowing that nothing from our past can hurt us without permission. We have already survived it.

The future is yet to come and within your power to create. This alone can be very exciting, but there is even more. There is a point where this Divine breath begins to lead you in your life. If you are willing, that is. It takes a certain level of surrender, which requires an even greater level of trust. It can be quite subtle in the beginning, but as you sink your roots deeper into the earth, claiming your safety in this physical world, you will find yourself reaching for the stars. Your energy will be freed for the even greater work of exploration, expansion and creation. Less time will be spent anguishing over the past or waiting for the future. You will learn to ASK but in a new and more profound way. The desires for the trappings of the material world transform into grace and gratitude for what life has already provided.

As you move through the gate of the heart, assisted by the breath, you will know Love as the only truth. The power of your inner wisdom will begin to guide you in directions that may surprise you. Opportunities will present themselves in such a way that you will know that your potential is held by higher hands. There will be shown where to go and what to do as you co-create with the Divine energy of the Universe. You will experience each day as a moment to moment adventure unfolding before you. The breath will bring you to the joy of just BEING. There is no place to go, it is all right here in this one glorious moment belonging solely to YOU.