It's all about PRANA!

If your mind wanders, or your body aches; if your sleep is disruptive or your relationships eruptive... You may find relief a breath away.

We all know that breathing brings air into and out from our lungs. And that gasses, like carbon dioxide and oxygen, are exchanged in the process. It is this action that keeps us alive. Thankfully, this activity happens whether we think about it or not because it's a part of our body's autonomic nervous system.

Did you know, however, that if your breathing mechanics are faulty, and you attempt to take a deep breath to calm yourself down, you may, inadvertently, keep the stress response firing? One reason for that is because air is only traveling into the upper lobes of your lungs. Also, you're most likely not taking time to absorb prana.

What is Prana?

Think of the effect sunlight has when it shines upon the leaves of a tree. It stimulates growth. Prana works in our bodies in much the same way. It brings vitality to every tissue, every cell.

It must be that Indigenous People's knew this long ago, because the refer to Prana as the Great Spirit. It is similar to the concept of Chi in Chinese Medicine. Consider it as life force. As a healing, nurturing, enlivening energy that fosters unparalleled vitality.

Five ways to Increase Prana In Your Body:

1. Breathe into your belly (diaphragmatic breathing).

2. Eat fresh and nourishing foods.

3. Hand out with fun friends who make you laugh!

4. Spend time outdoors, and take time to absorb sunlight every day.
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5. Exercise moderately to increase circulation and respiration.

As summer approaches, we have more opportunities to get out doors, eat fresh food, and move our bodies (appropriately distanced and with a mask, if needed, of course). I encourage you to incorporate a few of the ideas from the list above into each day. And please let me know the result!

Yours, in health and well-being,
    Sharon Harvey Alexander, C-IAYT