How often do you take time to just ... breeeathe?

Because of our hurried lifestyles, too many of us do not breathe properly. Often, our breath is shallow and unstable. We take in just enough air to keep our lungs working but we seldom really take the time to center ourselves, open up our chest, and breathe for maximum benefit. Every second of life is governed by the breath, and yet few of us are consciously aware of it.

When we breathe in deeply and exhale completely, we pump life-giving oxygen into every cell of our body and into the deep layers of our brain. When we breathe fully, we lower our heart rate, our respiration, and our brain waves so that tension is released and our internal energy flows smoothly. Breathing is one of the most immediate, profound and direct ways that we have of changing our chemical and biological state to affect our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

It is no surprise that many of the world's ancient wisdom teachings focus on the breath. The breath has been recognized as the life force behind all living things. It is one with the cosmos, the divine energy that gives rise to all things in the universe. When we are born, our first action is to breathe in. When we die, our final action is to breathe out. Through the breath we are all connected. The air that one person breathes out, is the same that another breathes in.

The book of Genesis tells us that "God took the dust of the earth and formed the body of man, and breathed into the nostrils of man the Breath of Life, and man became a living soul." The breath is the very spirit of life. What the Hebrews referred to as the Breath of Life, the yogis call prana, the Taoists call qi or ki, and Westerners call energy. Virtually all of the ancient languages use the same word for air, wind, or breath as they do for life, vital energy, or spirit--the animating force of life.

The breath is the gateway to the soul--it can take us to the very center of our being and connect us with our divine nature. It can help us tap into seemingly miraculous abilities. For centuries, the breath has been used by spiritual seekers to attain enlightenment, by mystics and shamans to evoke ancestral spirits for healing, and by martial artists to master fear and gain physical force. Today, we use the breath to reduce stress, promote relaxation, reach deep meditative states, manage pain, aid in childbirth, remove emotional blocks, enhance sexual arousal, and more.

Finding our way back to the source and tuning into the rhythm of life is simply, right under our noses! You can begin to access the incredible power behind the breath of life by becoming more aware of it in any given moment. Just tune in and follow your breath. Notice its natural rhythm, the sensation of air as it flows through your nostrils, the feeling of being aware of it. Later, you can begin to expand these conscious moments and experiment with different breathing techniques. Through the breath, you can traverse the bridge connecting your body and mind.

To help get you started, check out the Brain Vitality Meditation and Dahn Yoga Energy Breathing CDs by Ilchi Lee. Both offer deep meditation and breathing techniques to revitalize your brain and circulate your body's ki--the inner breath that gives rise to your outer breath. Buy them together for a special combo rate through April 30th at www.bestlifemedia.com. See below for the discount coupon code.