In today’s world we are bombarded with distractions that alter our innate and intimate relationship with the universe. There is constant noise – a cacophony of sound that drowns out the soft whispers of nature. Sounds of engines from vehicles on the ground, in the air, and at sea. Sirens and alarms that are redundant and dismissible, and all manner of beeps, whirrs, buzzes, tinkles, and rings from our omnipresent devices. The odors of automobile exhaust, factory fumes, and greenhouse gases encourage us to keep all the windows and doors closed. City streets are clogged with all modes of transportation because no one walks anymore. Buildings block the sky, the sun, and the wind. Constant artificial lights disrupt our circadian rhythms and keep us from ever knowing the calming and restorative darkness. Concrete obstructs the flow of earth’s terrestrial energy. And let’s not forget the constant onslaught of media information from negative vitriol to fake news, needless and superficial advertisements, celebrity gossip, disturbing news clips, and a plethora of articles to help you improve your physical, mental, and emotional health. All of these constant disturbances are only obstructions that block our flow of energy, stifle our communication with others, and block our connection with mother earth.
When do we sit quietly to listen to the sounds of birds? Or for that matter, how often are we somewhere that we can even hear a bird? When are we still enough to feel the air on our skin, hear the soft rustle of the wind in the trees, experience the stillness within us, just be in the present moment? We are constantly focusing on the demanding diversions of our whirlwind existence, full of regret for the past and fear for the future. There is no time left to even be aware of the present moment – to just BE. When all is quiet, we can concentrate on the natural rhythm of the breath and return to our inherent wholeness. Focusing on the breath of life is to experience the divine source, the divinity within. Realizing the full potential of this essential life affirming energy sustains us, calms us, and inspires us.
My introduction to breathwork was through Sudarshan Kriya, and it was life-changing. The course is called the Happiness Program, and I was definitely happier upon completing the 3-day course. I was also more energetic and focused, and at the same time calmer, less anxious, and ready to deal with whatever obstacles life might throw in my path. The class helped me realize that my thoughts create my reality, and I began to work on keeping those negative thoughts at bay, which is not an easy task for me. Performing SKY daily is the secret, because consistency is the key to radical results.
How does Sudarshan Kriya, more commonly referred to as SKY, work? It is a simple rhythmic breathing technique that harnesses the energy within the breath. SKY practice helps to harmonize body, mind, and spirit, and acts as a bridge for effortless meditation. Breathwork is one of the best and least expensive forms of self-care. Scientific studies have demonstrated that SKY breath and meditation lower levels of stress, anxiety, and anger, while increasing mental alertness. Participants have also reported better sleep habits, improved relationships, more energy, and increased confidence. Overall, everyone is happier!
SKY breath programs are offered through the Art of Living, which is a global humanitarian organization founded by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. It operates in over 150 countries bringing education, empowerment, and hope to countless individuals and communities through trauma relief, prisoner rehabilitation, rural development, medical camps, and schools. Sri Sri’s goal is to bring peace to a chaotic and violent world, one person at a time and one healing breath at a time.
Please contact me if you would like more information about Art of Living and check out the website, https://www.artofliving.org/us-en. It truly is life-changing.
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