Colder weather and the Breath

[Jitendra Hydonus]

Paramahansa Yogananda spoke much about the breath and the energy we can get from the air and sun light. Cosmic energy and prana, that one day ( in the higher ages to come ) will replace physical food for sustaining the body. There were yogis and saints mentioned in the Autobiography of a Yogi that lived on cosmic energy. Most likely many practicing yogis have noticed the need for less meals and food during the day already. Most of us have long since relinquished the need for three meals a day. This is a good season of the year to notice the air flowing in, since it is so different than the air leaving our bodies, where it meets cold air currents. This brings more conscious awareness of the breath. The cold crisp air is very apparent in walks outside this time of year for most northern hemisphere spiritual aspirants.

Count one to twelve breathing in, hold one to twelve count and then breathe out one to twelve. This count can be altered depending on the capacity of the lungs which vary with us all. Having an awareness of the breath much more acutely is a benefit of this time of year. Having more and more awareness of the breath and mantras used in combination with the breath are an increasing factor of awareness in the devotee of expanding consciousness. For more detailed information about this refer to the, Self Realization Fellowship Lessons.

I myself use a mantra 🕉️ when jogging and find that it brings my consciousness to a more elevated state. I also bring my consciousness back to a personal mantra Amma gave me with Master Paramahansa Yogananda’s name in it . However while beings at Amma’s retreats her devotees often used the mantra; Om ma and ma Om; alternating and Om to the inhalation while using ‘ma’ to the exhalation. And then to keep the mind focused and not becoming mechanical, the mantra would be done in reverse. That is ma to the inhalation and Om to the exhalation.

[guest587]

I've been enjoying my breath in meditation lately. For fun, I've been making it rather audible- deep in naval cavities where it connects with the throat - as I exhale what sounds like an ocean I naturally allow the hum of OM to manifest.

sometimes whispers, sometimes vocal, and then i enjoy absolute stillness where breath is no longer audible- but slowly creeps over the entire body.

it's great.