THE BREATH

Do you take your breath for granted? Most of us have a tendency to just equate the breath to one of the autonomic nervous system functions, which simply means automatic. But I suggest to you that our breath is so much more than that.

Learning the “real” function of the breath, and how we can use it intentionally, can positively change our lives. Its simplest effect includes stress reduction and relaxation, and if we only utilized breath control for those goals, we would experience tremendous health benefits.

But I suggest to you that at the highest end of the spectrum the breath is the physical expression of our soul, our connection to our Source or the Divine.

Right now, sitting where you are, inhale deeply to a slow count of three, then exhale very slowly to a slow count of five. Repeat several times and then listen to what your body tells you about how it is feeling. Learn to repeat this simple breath exercise several times throughout your day.

Let’s look at our personal history with our own breath. At the instant we exited our mother’s body, if we had not taken our first breath, we would never have been born. In Genesis the bible says God breathed the breath of life into Adam, and he became a living soul. So the breath is clearly an expression of our soul.

Learning breath control can indeed open a door to our Source, the powerful creative energy of the Universe. I encourage everyone to learn breath control and begin to experience our connection to all that is, your personal:

Healer Within

I first learned the power of breath control to heal through Qi Gong and Hatha Yoga. Both disciplines employ breath work. Breathing exercises have been a major cornerstone of my recovery from Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. I cannot imagine my life today (after 15 years of daily practice) without the powerful healing energy created by Qi Gong.

We all have a healer within . . . we just must learn to go within to connect with it. How does one do that? Meditation and such disciplines as Qi Gong and Yoga opens that door for everyone.

"I frequently hear people say, "I can't meditate;
I have tried many times and nothing happened."
If you are one of those, I have good news for you.

For some people learning to meditate is easy, and for others it seems illusive. I was one for whom it did not come easy. But I learned that persistence was the key. Learning to meditate is simply teaching your mind a new habit – that of stillness and silence. In that silence profound insights begin to happen.

Check out my primary website, www.BettysHouseLifeAfterMS.com for details of my story. There is a free “meditation” report available there. Print it out and get started learning the incredible restorative powers you possess.

If you choose to make a small donation to the work of Betty’s House and its companion newsletter, Journey to Wellness, I’ll gift you with a very powerful four minute video on Spirituality. Response to that video has been phenomenal.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, surrounded by those you love.

Betty