segunda-feira, novembro 27, 2006
Breathing
"Everyone knows what happens if we stop breathing, so it seems almost comical to emphasize the importance of breathing in exercise. But Ayurveda teaches that breathing is not just a matter of taking air into the lungs. The act of drawing breath has profound significance, both biologically and spiritually.
The Sanskrit word prana refers to the vital energy that animates all living things, and breathing is the primary means of bringing that energy into the body. With every breath, you exchange billions of atoms with the universe, which is your extended body. As you inhale, you draw nourishment from the environment, including the oxygen that passes directly from your lungs into your bloodstream. If oxygen is plentiful in your breath and in your blood, your heart and your entire body will benefit. But if your breath is clogged with tobacco, smoke or other pollutants, the presence of oxygen diminishes and your overall health suffers. Oxygen-poor blood, for example, is a major cause of irritation to coronary artery walls. This irritation in turn sets the stage for coronary heart disease.
Breathing with awareness, whether during meditatioon or exercise, is highly beneficial to your overall good health, so take every opportunity to focus on this vital activity. ~
Concentrate on breathing deeply and regularly through your nose, drawing the air in by expanding your diaphragm.
Whenever you feel tired or under pressure, breathing with intention and awarensess can help both physically and emotionally."
in
"Healing the Heart", pg. 94
Deepak Chopra
1998, Rider, London
