All strength, energy, power and force comes from your breath (not your body). In the science of yoga this is called prana which means vital force, life force, or “That which animates matter”.
Prana exists in all matter. Prana is the source that fuels the sun, that is in the wind, that makes the earth produce. This same force of prana is in all of us. Prana is also force, as in magnetic force, gravitational force, electric force or nuclear energy. It isa the force that holds the universe in its ever changing state.
Just as the universe is constantly changing and moving, so are our bodies. By working with this force and entering into a personal relationship with it, with full concentration and awareness, we can use it as a powerfull transformational force to bring about the desired changes and results in our physical bodies and our mental states.
I began the practice of yoga in 1970 at age 23. In 1971 I lived in a Kundalini Yoga Ashram in San Rafael California and became an instructor of Kundalini Yoga. Kundalini yoga is a very accelerated form of physical and mental yoga involving powerful spinal flexing, deep, rapid breathing and holding of the body and breath in a fixed position for a long time. This brings about not only tremendous physical benefits but clarity of mind and a great sense of well being.
Thus yoga forms the basis of my physical program which I practice every day for 30-60 minutes. As I entered into my “middle age”, I began working with free weights. When I am working out I visualize that I am working with the force of gravity, that my breath is sucking in this force through my nostrils and that this energy is being transformed and reshaped into my body. As I lift or push up, I visualize that I am inhaling the downward force of gravity that is creating the resistance. I am mentally sculpting that force into the shape that i want my body to assume. This force is not “resistance”. It is a force to be worked with, a force of acceptance. It is a force that I take into myself thankfully.
The third part of my path to health, fitness and well-being is running. Running is completely natural. It works on a horizontal plane whereas free weights besically work on a vertical plane. This way I am using both horizontal and vertical force.
All running animals have low amounts of body fat. When I run through the park or forest I visualize that I am a horse , a dog, a lion, a deer, a rabbit or fox. I meditate on my breath and get onto a rhythm with this force that I am going into, that I am moving with and not against this force. Once I start my run I don’t stop until I’ve finished and I maintain a fairly steady pace as I am establishing a rhythm for myself.
As I run I talk to myself, saying “I can do it, I will do it, I’m in great shape” and I visualize my physical body as I wish it to be.
Now, and this is simple, the three fold path of Yoga for stretching and flexibility, weight training for strength and definition and running for stamina and endurance can be done by oneself . A commitment to your yoga practice, purchasing some free weights and buying a new pair of running shoes are all that is required.
The next step, which is what it is all about is TO JUST DO IT. Just like the Nike commercial visualize that you are the star of your own commercial and resolve, commit and dedicate the remainder of your life to having a strong, healthy, powerful and flexible body that is your birthright along with a calm and flexible mind. After all, that is why we are here. To be ALIVE.