| I breathe – and I am light. I breathe – and I grow taller. I breathe – and I expand. I am here, now, in love, in life; in Infinite Possibility. Poem by Tui Fleming The Sacred Bridge: The Importance of Breath Work in Tantra and How to Practice Deep, Conscious Breathing In the quiet spaces between our thoughts, there is a constant, gentle rhythm. It is the rhythm of life itself. This rhythm is our breath. In the ancient spiritual science of Tantra, breath is far more than a biological function. It is the sacred bridge connecting the body, mind, and spirit. It is the vehicle for life force energy, known as Prana or Shakti. To master the breath is to begin mastering the flow of energy within, unlocking profound states of awareness, healing, and connection. This exploration delves into the heart of Tantric breath work. We will uncover its profound importance and guide you through a simple yet powerful practice of deep, conscious breathing. Tantra is a path of embodiment. It does not seek to transcend the physical world but to realize the divine within it. In this worldview, the breath is the most immediate and accessible expression of the universal life force. The Sanskrit word Prana translates to “vital life force” or “first unit of energy.” It is the intelligent energy that animates all of creation. We absorb Prana not only from the air we breathe but also from sunlight, food, and our environment. Conscious breathing, or Pranayama, is the practice of consciously regulating this energy to harmonize the body and mind. Tantra teaches that where our attention goes, our energy flows. Our mental and emotional states are directly reflected in our breathing patterns. Anxiety creates shallow, rapid breaths. Calm cultivates deep, slow rhythms. By consciously changing our breath, we can directly influence our state of being. We can dissolve energetic blockages, calm the nervous system, and awaken dormant potential. The breath becomes a tool to alchemize emotion, transform stress into vitality, and separate the stillness of our true self from the chatter of the mind. Tantra is the union of individual consciousness with universal consciousness. It is the sacred marriage of Shiva (pure awareness) and Shakti (creative energy) within our own being. The breath is the dance of this union. The inhale draws in Shakti, the vibrant, creative energy of the universe. The exhale releases into Shiva, the silent, spacious awareness that holds all. In each cycle, we practice this divine union, weaving the polarities of life into a harmonious whole. How to Practice Deep, Conscious Tantric Breathing The beauty of this practice is its simplicity. It requires no special equipment, only your attention. Find a quiet space where you can sit comfortably with your spine erect. This alignment allows for the free flow of energy through the central channel of the body. Step 1: Establishing Awareness Begin by closing your eyes. Gently bring your awareness to your natural breath. Do not try to change it. Simply observe the sensation of the air moving in and out of your nostrils. Feel the slight rise and fall of your chest and abdomen. Notice the temperature of the air on the inhale and the exhale. For a few minutes, be a silent witness to this natural process. This anchors you in the present moment. Step 2: Deepening the Breath (Diaphragmatic Breathing) Place one hand on your chest and the other on your navel. As you inhale slowly through your nose, imagine sending the breath deep into your belly. Feel your lower hand rise as your diaphragm expands. Your chest should remain relatively still. This is full, diaphragmatic breathing. It massages your internal organs and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, signaling safety and relaxation. As you exhale, gently let the air fall out of your body completely. Feel your hand lower. Allow the exhale to be longer than the inhale. This complete exhalation releases stagnant air and toxins, making space for fresh, oxygen-rich Prana on the next inhalation. Step 3: Cultivating Conscious Connection Now, introduce a gentle conscious element to this deepened breath. As you inhale, silently affirm “I receive.” Receive life, energy, and light. Feel yourself drawing in nourishment and vitality with every cell of your body. As you exhale, silently affirm “I release.” Release tension, stress, and anything that no longer serves you. Let go of thoughts, worries, and limitations. With each exhale, feel yourself becoming lighter and more open. Step 4: Visualizing the Flow of Energy To deepen the Tantric aspect, incorporate a simple visualization. Imagine a luminous, warm energy at the base of your spine. This is your reservoir of Shakti. On your next inhale, visualize this radiant energy rising gently up the front of your spine, nourishing every part of your being as it moves toward your heart. As you exhale, feel this energy descending down the back of your spine, grounding you and completing a circuit of light. Continue this circular flow of energy, synchronized with your breath. This practice, a simplified form of the microcosmic orbit, helps circulate Prana throughout your entire energy body. Practice this conscious breathing for five to ten minutes daily. Consistency is more important than duration. Over time, you will notice a profound shift. Your daily practice will become a sanctuary. You will carry a sense of calm and centered awareness into every aspect of your life. The breath is your constant companion on the path of awakening. It is the whisper of the divine within you. By honoring it, listening to it, and consciously working with it, you open the door to the deepest mysteries of Tantra. You discover that the key to universal energy has been with you all along, in the simple, sacred act of breathing. |
| Ivy’s September Schedule Chicago | River North Monday, September 1st | 6pm-8pm Tuesday, September 2nd | 10am-8pm Wednesday, September 3rd | 10am-7pm Stamford, CT Monday, September 8th I will be on Hiatus from Saturday, September 13th through October 1st. Outside of these dates I am available for sessions in Union Square, NYC. I hope to see you there! 😘 Peace & Love, Ivy Rosalia |
Tantra Healing & Meditation