Webcast: Episode 4-Prayer: A Primer

#Episode4 #TheFourFoldPathToEnlightenment #PrayerAPrimer #Webcast #YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sj1ysKO2lNM&list=PL_stv_A5Kg4KVkFnAx8Z967U69V8D0J9N&index=5&t=0s

It's On Amazon!

It's available NOW from #Amazon in #paperback! My 44th book, is "The Powerful Healing Gift of Prana"! Read it and change your life! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1074017196

Free Yourself!

BREAK OUT NOW! is a two-hour workshop based on my up-coming book of the same name, and it FEATURES MYSELF, (I'm a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Doctor of Theocentric Psychology, Prana Practitioner, and Reiki Master, among other things) and which ALSO FEATURES TWO OTHER GROUND-BREAKING PRACTITIONERS/HYPNOTHERAPISTS from my webcasts and podcasts! 

  You'll learn how to GET UNSTUCK and BREAK THROUGH AND PAST your emotional, financial, relationship, and prosperity hindrances using each of our methods! As Carl Jung said, "We don't SOLVE our problems, we OUTGROW them." and you'll learn (with my methods) how to resonate ABOVE and PAST your so-called "issues"!

   My time-proven (with clients) and clinical experience/background/Ph.D.'s are in New Thought/Metaphysics. Basically, the Practitioner, by contacting/becoming One consciously with this Universal Consciousness within themselves, thus automatically contacts this same Universal Consciousness within the client/patient, and by so doing, starts to direct his/her thoughts towards health and wholeness. In other words, the thought of healing and wholeness is transferred from the Universal part of the Practitioner’s mind to the Universal part of the patient’s mind. The Universal part of the patient’s mind then stimulates the chemical actions necessary within their body to effect the healing. In the case of financial or emotional healing of inter-personal relationships, the Universal part of the Practitioner’s mind stimulates the Universal part of the patient’s/client’s mind for Universal contact with other minds relating to the client’s finances, or the other part involved in the personal relationship; in so doing, the Universal part of the client’s mind is stimulated so as to surface creative and/or self-directional thoughts pertaining to improving their situation. This often comes in the form of inspiration and/or Intuition. You'll learn how to do this for yourself, (ridding yourself of financial, emotional, relationship, and prosperity issues/hindrances) and perhaps gain a whole new career by learning how to help others to free themselves! The other practitioners in this workshop will use their own time-proven skills in Hypnotherapy, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Time-Line Therapy, and MUCH MORE! 

   Guaranteed to be FUN and INFORMATIVE, and we'll also PROVIDE NOTES FOR YOU TO TAKE HOME!

   Contact me soon, as this workshop will be coming to near to where you live soon! You won't want to miss the opportunity to connect LIVE and IN-PERSON with us...your life will be TRANSFORMED!

dr.likey@gmail.com

Special Offer

Order my latest book from Amazon, "The Powerful Healing Gift of Prana" https://www.amazon.com/dp/1074017196 and receive 20% off the Prana certification workshop https://www.drmichaellikey.com/workshops-lectures-and-certification-courses/the-powerful-healing-gift-of-prana with proof of purchase! This amazing healing energy will change your life; give yourself a whole new career while helping others! The certification workshop is coming up soon, so why not buy the book ($8.95 U.S.) and save on the price of the workshop? See you soon!

Contest!

Win the #PDF version of my upcoming book, #ThePowerfulHealingGiftOfPrana! Just answer this question, "What is your favorite healing modality?" It can be energy-healing or not. #Friday I'll announce the winners! 

New Thought/Metaphysical Healing

From my upcoming paperback book on #Amazon, how New Thought/Metaphysical healings work. 

There is a general belief that there is a sort of “Spiritual E.S.P.” that takes place between the Practitioner and the client. The Practitioner has hopefully established their own personal spiritual practice, wherein they are leading an holistic and healthy life, and has established through regular, ongoing Mystical/Contact/Higher Consciousness Meditation a relationship with/close contact with/Oneness with the Universal Mind of God within themselves.

Because there is ultimately but One Mind in the Universe that is at the center and nucleus of all conscious entities be they human, animal, or even inanimate objects, there is therefore a Primal Energy/God-Consciousness at the foundation of their very existence.

The Practitioner, by contacting/becoming One consciously with this Universal Consciousness within themselves, thus automatically contacts this same Universal Consciousness within the client/patient, and by so doing, starts to direct his/her thoughts towards health and wholeness. In other words, the thought of healing and wholeness is transferred from the Universal part of the Practitioner’s mind to the Universal part of the patient’s mind. The Universal part of the patient’s mind then stimulates the chemical actions necessary within their body to effect the healing. In the case of financial or emotional healing of inter-personal relationships, the Universal part of the Practitioner’s mind stimulates the Universal part of the patient’s/client’s mind for Universal contact with other minds relating to the client’s finances, or the other part involved in the personal relationship; in so doing, the Universal part of the client’s mind is stimulated so as to surface creative and/or self-directional thoughts pertaining to improving their situation. This often comes in the form of inspiration and/or Intuition (God-Guidance) for the client.

In New Thought/Metaphysics, the technique that the Practitioner uses is called “Scientific Prayer” or “Affirmative-Prayer”, combined with Contact Meditation, which amplifies the whole process. I have written several paperback books specifically on this subject which may be found on Amazon: One is called Speaking Thoughts Into Existence (ISBN-10: 1517327148) and the other is called Scientific Prayer (ISBN-10: 1512183717)

Raise Your Consciousness!

Want to eliminate any blocks or hindrances to prosperity, love, health, finances, etc.? Raise your consciousness and then your thoughts will follow! Remember that merely changing your thoughts alone will not work...Higher Consciousness is the key! #Enjoy #TheFourFoldPathToEnlightenment 

When you become one with the #PrimalEnergy within you, a chemical reaction occurs that enables you to begin to resonate to a Higher Frequency, and therefore a Higher Consciousness! How can you do this? Contact me if you want to transcend and transform your life! 

https://www.drmichaellikey.com/the-four-fold-path-to-enlightenment.html

Prayer is Today's Topic of my Podcast

We're beginning the topic of #prayer #AffirmativePrayer a.k.a. #ScientificPrayer on this week's #podcast of #TheFourFoldPathToEnlightenment It's #Eprisode4 on #AnchorFM https://anchor.fm/michael-likey/episodes/Episode-4-Prayer-A-Primer-e2keqn

Friday Werbcast: Episode 3-Mystical Meditation Review

#Episode3 #MysticalMeditationReview #Podcast #TheFourFoldPathToEnlightenment #YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1E8J3nL9ZDw&list=PL_stv_A5Kg4KVkFnAx8Z967U69V8D0J9N&index=4&t=0s

Binge-Watch My Series!

If you #BingeWatch anything this #Summer why not #learn how you can #improve the #QualityOfYourLife by watching my #HowTo #webcast and #podcast series based on my #book #TheFourFoldPathToEnlightenment? #EvolveSpiritually! #Fridays BTW are the webcasts and #Mondays are the podcasts Watch for the #Links right here! 

Episode 3: Mystical Meditation Review-Podcast

#Episode3 #MysticalMeditationReview #Podcast #TheFourFoldPathToEnlightenment #AnchorFM https://anchor.fm/michael-likey/episodes/Episode-3-Mystical-Meditation-Review--Summary--and-Conclusion-e2i5i5

Meditation

 Here is how you pronounce Om or Aum.

The 'O' or 'AU' is said externally and the 'M' is allowed to reverberate internally.

The first half of 'O' or 'A' starts in the chest at the anahata chakra, moves upward with the second half of 'O' or 'U' to the vishuddha chakra in the throat and ends with 'M' vibrating the ajna and sahasra chakras in the head.

The way one sits during meditation is most important as well. Sit with spine/back straight, (to facilitate the flow of Kundalini energy up your spine, the twin male/female energies that wind their way up and around the spine) and with your feet either planted firmly on the ground or your ankles crossed, whatever is most comfortable for you, gently close your eyes. Gaze in upon your brow or third-eye area. Slowly become aware of your breath or heart beat: up and down, in and out, but don't force your breath, merely observe it. Place your tongue to the roof of your mouth just behind your teeth, this is one of two Hun Yin positions, the other being at your rectum, where you can tighten your anal muscles. Blocking both Hun Yin positions during meditation helps build up your Chi/Ki/Prana (Primal Energy) which is stored in your belly, also called the Hara. This encourages longevity, and overall good health. 

   When doing healings, (Reiki, Ling Chi, Qi Gong, Prana) you may also add this "original" Chi/Ki/Prana stored in your belly: inhale deeply (into your belly, which expands) with tongue to the roof of your mouth/upper palette, then exhale, (Your belly contracts) dropping your tongue to the lower palette, exhaling through your mouth. This pushes the stored/"original Chi" in your belly out to make for a stronger and more effective healing. Qi Gong healing is often accomplished this way. As with Pranic breathing, you can inhale into your belly six beats, hold for three beats, then exhale from your belly to the count of six over and over during the healing session. Remember to include your tongue/Hun Yin positions as explained.

   Of course, while meditating, you can also do this Rythmic/Prana breathing, (six-three-six-three, etc.) including holding your tongue to the roof of your mouth, but breathing in and out through your nose. (Dropping the tongue, etc. is only used during healings, but is not wrong if you do it during sitting meditation) As long as you sit in quiet contemplation, palms facing up with the back of your hands resting either in your lap or on each thigh, or even sitting in  Lotus/Half Lotus position, eyelids shut, with you gazing upward towards the brow/third-eye area. Sitting on your knees with your heels touching your buttocks during meditation, each hand overlapping on your Heart Chakra is a very traditional Japanese Buddhist Meditation stance/position too! Still another traditional Japanese Zen Meditation position/method is to sit in Lotus position, and with eyes half opened, gaze on the floor approximately three-to-six feet in front of you, following your breathing. The reasons for the half-opened eyes (according to myth/legend) is so that you don't let too much of your own light out, nor too much in. 

   Experiment with all of these; as long as you sit comfortably following your breath, you can't go wrong. Add a Mantra in, ("OM" or otherwise) and you've got all spiritual bases covered! Enjoy.

For more types of meditation, go here: https://www.drmichaellikey.com/primordial-sound-meditation.html

Prana: Laying On of Hands

Prana: Laying On of Hands

At this point it would be a great idea (from a Metaphysical Practitioner's perspective) to combine Prana Healing/Prana Breath with laying on of hands. All you need do is combine the Rythmic /Prana Breathing that we previously discussed, with the following hands-on techniques! The laying on of hands has been practiced for many thousands of years, as far back as the kings of Egypt and the Pharaohs and beyond. These same techniques are also used in Qi Gong massage, and sometimes in Reiki and Ling Chi.

Preparation

Start first by energizing your hands by vigorously rubbing them together to build energy. Rub them until they feel hot, and you can feel the heat. Clench them and open...clench and open, over and over, then rub them together again and again until you feel you have built up the energy in them and can feel the heat radiating from then!

Technique 1: Stroking

You are using very light finger contact, exactly like petting your dog or cat. This stroking technique is very powerful, effective, and relaxing. NOTE: When making any and all  sort of physical contact with your patients and clients, always ask their permission first, and if they are new to your practice, certainly get their permission in writing to potentially avoid any legal problems down the road.

   After energizing your hands, stroke downward lightly, always downward. Either from the head and move downward to the waist, and then from the waist down to the feet, or do it all the way at once from the head to the toes. Stroke very lightly, barely touching, extending only lightness/Prana energy around the individual. Light like air. This technique creates a feeling of relaxation and well-being for the client.

Technique 2: Rubbing

We spoke about the power of the rotary/circular motion previously, so this is no different. Merely rub/stroke lightly in a circular motion (counterclockwise to remove negativity, then clockwise to put in Prana/Light energy) from the head to the waist, and then from the waist to the feet.

Technique 3: Kneading

This is a bit more aggressive and intense. The motion is like kneading bread. 

   The first way is Pinching: with your thumb and index-finger, pick up the flesh and let it drop, over and over, pinching all over. This helps blood circulation. Blood and cells really come alive and start working. It circulates all the cells in the skin and in the blood and brings them to life. The second kneading technique is the Palmar. In this case, you use the whole hand, not just the fingertips. Use the palms and the closed fingers; not a fist, but the palms and closed fingertips, rubbing and kneading with the heel of the hand. Rub with the heel of the hand and palm so that the energy/Prana can be absorbed from the palm. Thirdly is the Digital: rubbing with the fingers, rubbing flesh against other flesh. 

Technique 4: Percussion

Pounding motions are used in various ways. 

   The first is done with a half-closed hand, with which one is actually pounding the body with the knuckles. The second  is a slapping movement, with the hand held sideways, chopping with the side/edge of the hand. The third method is as if you are clapping, with hands cupped or arched together, then lightly chopping the body. The fourth technique is tapping, using all of the fingertips and tapping all over lightly.

Technique 5: Vibrational

This is a bit more complicated and may require more practice.

   It is necessary to learn to vibrate your hand, to actually have it shaking.

   With your hand, you then vibrate the skin and area that you are touching. It is a sort of trembling feeling, which is very good for stimulating the skin. Practice this at night on your face while laying in bed: you will feel your face come to life! Practice this using just your hand, not the whole arm.

This concludes the techniques for transmitting Prana through your hands. always remember the importance of using your mind, and concentrating at all times on what you are doing; do it in a light, meditative state. Think "Prana": feel the energy flowing through from your mind, to your entire body and out your hands and fingers! Remember, too, that you are receiving this Prana energy from your Higher Mind which is Infinite Intelligence or Universal Energy...our very source, or "God", if-you-will. Higher Mind uses us as a channel, flowing through us to the patient. Know that you have the power to heal yourself, and others, and above all, be grateful/thankful. Before starting a Reiki session for example, one always bows in thanks, generally, to source, as well as to the patient for allowing us to do the work, which is sacred.

Prana Paperback Book Coming Soon

Prana Healing: Passes and Presentations

Prana Healing: Passes and Presentations

Passes

The First: General Pass-Transmitting Prana Through One's Hands

With your patient or client seated in front of you, stand about a foot away from them, facing them. Extend your arms out in front of you and about a foot over their head.

   Now, mentally charge your hands: Imagine that the Prana energy is all charged up and extends from your mind to your hands and fingers, over the individual's head and downwardly and slowly around the individual in a sweeping movement all the way down to their knees. Maintain eye contact with them throughout this procedure so that you have their complete attention, and to transmit Prana through your eyes as well.

   Sweep, sweep, sweep from your fingers, over their head and downward, all around them, again and again, down to their knees, all the while "seeing" or imagining the Prana energy (like electricity) extending from your fingers and into their auric-field from the top of their head down to their knees and beyond. Make sure eye-contact is maintained.

   Shake your hand off (as if they were wet) to release the energy that you have accumulated. Shake off the negative energy over and over, until you feel like you're done.

   Now, bring your hands back upwardly from their knees (fingers closed/together and cupped as if they were mitts) around the sides of your patient seated in front of you, again maintaining eye-contact. This is considered one complete sweep or pass, called the General Pass.

   What you have done is to completely surround and energize that individual's energy field. You have cleansed and magnified their aura and surrounded them with energy, or Prana.

   Remember to use your mind and soul to direct energy to your patient; do not touch the person, but remain about a foot away, maintaining eye-contact with them at all times. They will feel a tingling and restful feeling. The closer you are, the more stimulating energy they will feel. You can stand six-inches away from the individual if you feel they are very low and need more stimulating energy. However, if they feel nervous, or are known to have a nervous condition, stand back a foot, maintaining eye contact with them at all times so that you have their full attention.

Second Technique: Longitudinal Pass

This is for someone who has specific pain or discomfort, for example, a stomach ulcer.

   First, do the General Pass, a foot back. Maintain eye-contact.

   Then, with fingertips extended over the afflicted area, (for example, the stomach) and, pinpointing the specific-area, do downward passes of motion over that area. Then, bring your hands down and away and shake off the excess energy as before. Shake off your hands as if they were wet. Once you feel ready to resume, surround the entire area with closed/touching, cupped fingers (as if they were mitts) and down again. Bring them down and shake off the energy. Repeat this sweep several times. You are surrounding that entire area with Prana energy; this is the Longitudinal Pass. Note: an ulcer patient is usually nervous, so stand a foot back. Again, stand closer if you wish to stimulate the patient.

Third Technique: Transversal Pass

This requires that you work in a crosswise motion by putting your hands back-to-back, palm sideways, facing out.

   Let's say, again, that the troubled-area is the stomach-area. The Transversal Pass actually pushes the negative energy out! 

   With your fingers extended, backs of hands touching and palms facing outward, in your mind actually take that area away that is causing pain. You are pulling it away, shaking it loose, removing it from the body, and bringing in positive Prana by bringing your hands together again. 

These three techniques were the three basis sweeps or passes. Now we will use our hands and fingers in a more direct capacity: not touching, but directing. You will be using only one hand, working, again, on a specific area that is afflicted.

Presentations

First: Palmar Presentation

Here, you stand a little closer, (six inches) palms over the afflicted area, fingers extended. 

   Imagine and concentrate on extending energy to the particular area. Direct the Prana energy until you actually feel it coming out of your palm. Think intensely that you are directing this energy out.

   The more intensely you do this, the stronger the feeling will be. Simple and effective. 

Second: Digital Presentation

While the Palmar Presentation is for general problems, the Digital Presentation is for more specific and difficult ailments.

   Use it to direct energy with intensity to a specific area.

   Six inches from your patient, use one extended finger to be very specific, or your palm open (fingers extended and apart, NOT like a mitt) for wider areas, energy extending out from all of the fingers. With your hand/palm sideways and/or with your finger, direct the energy outward either from one finger or from all of them. This gives a more direct contact than the palm. Feel the difference in the way the energy is being emitted from one or all of the fingers: it is much more pointed.

Third: The Rotary

Extend the fingers from one hand, closed together/touching like a mitt. 

   Turn your hand in a clockwise/rotary motion from the wrist, circulating the Prana around the afflicted area, approximately three to six inches from the patient.

   As before, direct the energy in and around the afflicted area, extending out from your hand, palm, and fingers. This is a much more powerful and stronger technique than the Palmar or Digital Presentations.

Fourth: Perforating Motion

Here, you are twisting/rotating in a clockwise direction your "mitt" as with the Rotary (fingers extended and touching) from the wrist but going inside of a particular area, unlike the Rotary. You are going closer and closer, (no more than three to six inches) rotating around, going/rotating in circles and twisting in and circling like a corkscrew entering into the afflicted area.

   This is the perforation of a particular area with Prana. It is also a very powerful technique.

Thus, we have discussed the various Prana healing passes and presentations. Practice them so that they become second nature to you, and so that eventually you may Intuitively select which one(s) to use on specific clients and patients.

   

Webcast-Episode 2: Mystical Meditation

#webcast #TheFourFoldPathToEnlightenment #MysticalMeditation #Episode2 #Friday #YouTube

The Powerful Healing Gift of Prana-Workshop

It's finally here: #ThePowerfulHealingGift of #Prana #Certification #Workshop https://www.drmichaellikey.com/workshops-lectures-and-certification-courses/the-powerful-healing-gift-of-prana

Pranic Breathing: More Techniques

Prana Breathing: More Techniques

In Hindu philosophy including yoga, Indian medicine and Indian martial arts, Prana is the Sanskrit word for breath, "life force", or "vital principle". It permeates reality on all levels including inanimate objects. In Hindu literature, Prana is sometimes described as originating from the sun and connecting the elements.

   We've previously discussed one kind of Rythmic, or Prana Breathing, specifically Yoga Breath/Nadi Shodhana, or alternate nostril breathing. Essentially all forms of pranic breathing is used to assimilate the omnipresent Prana Energy, which is everywhere including the food we eat, the water we drink, and of course, the air that we breathe. Prana Breathing is also used to heal oneself and others, as you are about to discover.

Review: Basic Rythmic/Prana Breathing

Initially you must relax your body enough that you become aware of your breathing and heart beat. Self-Hypnosis or Meditation is a good way to do this. Place your hand on your heart and become aware of/feel your heart beats, as each beat will be a "count". Another important point is your attitude/thoughts/belief about Prana: as you breathe it in, know that it simply isn't just air, but pure, clean Prana energy. It is powerful, magnetic, and healing. Consciously think that as you exhale this Prana, it will be surrounding your entire physical body, going to your feet, your hands, your eyes, and your head. It will be radiating through all of the cells, tissues, muscles, organs, and nerves of your body! So think upon it in these ways.

   Once you're relaxed enough, begin to breath into (to the count of six) your diaphragm/belly (not your lungs) through your nose, so that your belly/diaphragm expands like a bellows; count three heart beats, then release through your nose, tightening your belly/diaphragm as it expels from there through your nose to the count of six. Count three heart beats. Repeat. Inhale through your nose to the count of six, (belly expands) count three beats, exhale through your nose to the count of six. (belly contracts) Count three beats. Repeat over and over for five minutes to start, until eventually you're just naturally breathing like this all the time. If you find this difficult at first, inhale to the count of four, hold two beats, exhale to the count of four, count two beats, repeat. Try to build up to inhaling eight counts, holding for four beats, exhaling for eight, count four, repeat. This type of basic Rythmic/Prana Breathing is crucial (and is the basis, along with Mystical/Higher Consciousness/Contact Meditation) for your spiritual practice, as it can energize yourself enough for you to be able to heal yourself, and put you into a state where you can heal others as well.            Rythmic Breathing can be very powerful and effective used in conjunction with the basic Prana Passes, which will be discussed next time.

Pain Elimination Pranic Breathing

The following method is a basic way to eliminate pain using Prana Breathing.

   While thoroughly relaxed and lying on your back, breathe in Prana (as previously discussed) and on the exhale, send it to every part of your body, with the intention/thought to drive out any pain. Repeat for a total of seven times.

Specific Pain Elimination Pranic Breathing

Concentrate on one specific problem area. You can do this anywhere, not just laying on your back: driving to work, speaking to someone on the phone, etc.

   Start with the basic Prana/Rhymic Breathing. Become aware of inhaling the Prana, and as you exhale, send this Prana to the troubled/painful area. When you are exhaling as well, think/believe that you are driving out the pain, right out of your body! Do it three times.

   Note: if one of your troubled/painful areas is your chest, merely inhale, and holding this, think that you are directing the Prana to your chest and driving out the pain, stimulating the area and energizing it.

Prana for Circulation

This is for poor circulation.

   Start with the Rythmic Breathing. Next, inhale Prana, and while you are holding this, think that you are going to exhale the energy/frequency/resonation of blood. Drive it down to the fingertips and to the toes, increasing the circulation and flow of blood throughout the body. This also works well for thawing cold toes in the morning! If your toes are cold, that means that blood is not circulating well there; that part of your body is not receiving energy, and consequently, the vital life-force is being cut off! This is a very simple way to increase circulation; it is merely a matter of using your subconscious mind to work for you. Try it, it really works!

The Breath of Fire

This is for re-charging yourself with energy.

   When you feel tired, low in energy, and want to stimulate your body to create new energy, use this technique. You're using breath to charge your body.

   It is done by breathing the Prana in and out very rapidly through your nose. Inhaling and exhaling rapidly. Make sure that you do not hyperventilate or get dizzy; if you do get dizzy, simply stop for a moment, then continue. Blow your nose first to clear out any nasal/sinus obstructions. 

   It is called "The Breath of Fire" because as you do it, you begin to feel like you are on fire. You can feel the energy radiating from you. You inhale as deeply as you can, and then exhale, both through the nose. Repeat over and over, quickly. Do this very rapidly and you will be directing energy throughout your whole being.

   You will feel completely cleansed and energized after this, so don't be afraid of it.

   Start off slow, doing it for two minutes or less, then eventually extend it to five. You could overcharge your system, short-circuit it and black out, so start off doing it until you get a little dizzy, then stop. Rest for a few minutes, and then continue, building up the amount of time that you do it.

   It's a great way to start your day!

Yoga Breath/Nadi Shodhana, or Alternate Nostril Breathing

Alternate nostril-breathing may be practiced in one of two ways. 

   This is the method I learned from the university: press lightly the pad of your right-thumb on your right nostril, blocking it. Inhale through your left nostril to the count of four, release your thumb and place your right index-finger on your left-nostril, blocking it; count two beats and exhale through your right nostril to the count of four. Count two beats and inhale through your right nostril to the count of four, place your thumb on your right nostril as you count two beats, (releasing your index-finger) exhale through your left nostril to the count of four; count two beats, inhale through your left nostril  release your thumb and block your left nostril with the pad of your index-finger, count two beats then exhale from your right nostril to the count of four. Count two beats, then inhale to the count of four through your right nostril, count two beats, block your right nostril and exhale through your left nostril to the count of four, count two beats, inhale through your left nostril four beats, count two, block your left nostril and exhale through your right nostril to the count of four. Count two beats and repeat.

  A variation of finger placements: keep your index and second-finger at your third-eye, use your thumb when blocking the right nostril, and when alternating, use your ring and pinky-fingers to block your left nostril when inhaling and exhaling as before.

  Practice this daily and enjoy the potential health benefits of lowering your blood-pressure and slowing down your breathing. Some have noticed a more peaceful night's sleep as well.  

  I can't speak highly enough about Rythmic/Prana Breath! Remember: instead of inhaling to the count of four, holding two beats, then exhaling to the count of four, counting two beats, etc., you can try six-three, or eight-four, or better! As long as you hold for half as many beats as you inhaled and exhaled.

Summary

Thus far, we have learned how to inhibit pain, direct circulation, re-charge the body, and to alternate breathing. We've learned and felt what Prana is, and how to use Prana/Rythmic Breathing to heal ourselves.

   Next, we will learn techniques for healing others, using Prana and various hand gestures or passes.

Mantras

Mantras

The word, mantra, is often translated as Manas (mind) and tra (tool): “tool for the mind.” 

Mantra is a sound vibration through which we mindfully focus our thoughts, our feelings and highest intention. Over time that vibration sinks deeper and deeper into your consciousness, helping you to eventually feel its presence as shakti – a powerful, subtle force working inside each of us that carries us into a deeper state of awareness. By chanting a mantra over and over again, the mind becomes focused on the mantra at hand. Because the mind is inherently scattered, it needs an object of meditation; an object of attention. That is what the mantra is. Practitioners of yoga often used a Sanskrit word or set of words as a mantra, which hold within them profound, spiritual meaning. Mantras can be thought of as good vibes for the mind, body and spirit.

Some mantras invoke a particular Indian deity, for example Shiva, Lakshmi, Durga or Saraswati. Each deity has its own special powers, and one deity is uniquely different from another. When we repeat a mantra of a certain deity, we invoke the qualities and blessings of that particular deity. Mantras also protect and heal our minds. Mantras can be done individually or in a group, silently or aloud.

How do Mantras Work?

The simple yet effective act of repeating a mantra over and over again---whether you’re doing it out loud, or in your mind’s eye---actually shifts your brain state. Even repeating a mantra a few times can relax and uplift the mind. When you repeat a mantra in a focused way, you’re offering a healing vibration to your mind. And because we are vibrational beings, this healing not only positively impacts the mind, it also influences and even changes one’s state of being. The quieting of the mind that happens during mantra repetition allows for the space between our thoughts to come to the forefront, and when this happens, we get to reside in the consciousness – a state of simple beingness. The yogis would say this state of beingness is where the true Self resides.

How to use a Mantra in Meditation 

Using a mantra in seated meditation is simple and fun. All you need is your mantra of choice and perhaps a set of mala beads. Those are the pretty prayer beads you see meditators fingering as they chant, similar to rosary beads. This practice of mantra repetition is called Japa. The purpose of mala beads are to help you keep track of your number of repetitions. There are 108 beads on a mala as this is a sacred number. To practice mantra in meditation, find a comfortable position, either in a chair or on the floor, in which you can remain relatively still. Close your eyes and focus on your breath for a few moments. Take a few long, deep breaths and then relax your breathing. Next, start your mantra, either aloud or in your mind’s eye. Don’t worry if your mind gets distracted or starts to drift away, it’s all part of the process. Just reroute your thoughts and consciousness back to your mantra. Consistency is key. You enliven your mantra through regular practice over a period of time. The friction of the syllables inside your consciousness, the focus on bringing yourself back to the mantra again and especially the attention you give to the felt sense of the mantra’s resonance inside your awareness will eventually open the energy in the mantra and it will stop being just words and become a living energy that you’ll feel shifting your inner state.

Popular Sanskrit Mantras 

The following are some of the most well-known and beloved ancient mantras. Their sounds hold significant spiritual meaning and have been used by meditators throughout the ages and across the globe for thousands of years.

Om Mani Padme Hum 

Probably the most popular mantra chanted in Buddhism, Om Mani Padme Hum invokes feelings of profound inner peace when you sit with it over a period of time. 

In this famous Buddhist mantra, Om signifies the creation of the universe. Chanting Om by itself has a profound effect in and of itself. It’s no wonder we chant Om to close a yoga practice. When we break down this particular mantra, each seed sound holds its own meaning. Here’s what the sounds, beyond Om, signify: Ma signifies morality, which is one of the core messages of Buddhist teachings. Ni is said to help cultivate detachment from egoic desires. Pad holds the power of perseverance, which every spiritual warrior needs. Me instills discipline and is said to eliminate possessiveness. Hum offers up deep wisdom while destroying hatred.

Om

Om begins many popular Buddhist and Hindu mantras such as Om Shanti, Om Namah Shivaya, Om Dum Durgayei Namaha, Om Gum Ganapatayei Namaha and Om Mani Padme Hum. But chanting Om by itself is an ideal mantra for beginners, and every bit as powerful as mantras that contain multiple sounds and syllables. Chanting the mantra, Om, which is believed to be the original vibration---the sound that was made when the Universe came into existence--is said to bring you into harmonic alignment with the Universe. Whenever you need to slow your thoughts, or slow down in general, chant Om 108 times using a set of mala prayer beads (if you have them) to keep track of your repetitions.

Om Shanti

Perhaps you first heard the mantra, Om Shanti, from the Madonna song of the same name. It’s one of the most popular mantras out there, and yogis believe that by chanting Om Shanti, you open and balance your throat chakra. This helps you speak your truth and express yourself in a clear, communicative way. It’s also believed that by chanting the mantra, you can better detach from your ego and the many attachments the ego clings to. In essence, though, Om Shanti is the mantra of peace. When we chant it, we are invoking peace and residing in a state of peace that purifies mind, body and soul.

Sat Nam 

If you’re familiar with Kundalini yoga or if you’ve ever taken a Kundalini class, you’ve probably heard or chanted the mantra, Sat Nam. Roughly translated as “Truth is my name,” kundalini yogis believe that every time we chant Sat Nam, we’re accessing our intuition and inner knowing. In doing so, we come to know ourselves and what we’re here to do in this lifetime.

Om Namah Shivaya 

Om Namah Shivayah is a mantra dedicated to Shiva. Shiva is the number one mythical god of the yogic pantheon. Standing for transformation and transmutation, this mantra is believed to take our fears and transform them into trust. It allows us to really get grounded in ourselves and in the present moment. As such, it’s the perfect mantra for beginners. When chanting this mantra, it’s like a prayer to Shiva, asking him to help transmute our fears and uncertainties into stability and deep trust in the greater good and the divine plan. If we break down this mantra into each seed sound, it translates as the following: Om is the sound vibration of creation. Namah is another word for bowing. Shivaya is another name for Shiva. In chanting Om Namah Shivayah, it’s as if you are bowing humbly to your own inner knowing, while also invoking Lord Shiva’s profound sense of confidence and inner knowing.

Om Dum Durgayei Namaha 

This is a powerful mantra that invokes the goddess Durga. She’s a fiery warrioress, who wields a sword whilst riding a tiger. She helps us slay our fears. This mantra also helps restore our third chakra, manipura, the place of power. It’s a mantra to boost our self-confidence; to burn through all our mental and emotional blocks and fears. As you chant this mantra, imagine you’re like Durga, using your sword to cut through your fears and limits.

Om Gum Ganapatayei Namaha

This is the mantra that calls in Ganesha, the Hindu elephant god. He is one of the most popular deities because his M.O. is good luck. When you want a dose of luck in your own life, Om Gum Ganapatayei Namaha is your good luck charm mantra. It’s also a powerful prayer for blessings and protection in your life. As the remover of obstacles, chanting this elephant god’s mantra also helps you break through any obstacles that might be obstructing your path. And if you’re in a phase of your life when you need blessings for new beginnings, this is the mantra for you. If you’re serious about the power of this mantra, you’ll want to chant Om Gum Ganapatayei Namaha 108 times every day---ideally, for 40 days. Enjoy the ritual of it and add a mini statue of Ganesha to your bedside table or prayer altar (if you have one) as a friendly reminder to stick to the practice.

So Ham

Soham or Sohum (सो ऽहम् so 'ham or so 'Hum) is a Hindu mantra, meaning "I am He/That" in Sanskrit.

In Vedic philosophy it means identifying oneself with the universe or ultimate reality.

The mantra is also inverted from so 'ham (the sandhi of saḥ + aham) to ham + sa. The combination of so 'haṃ haṃsaḥ has also been interpreted as "I myself am the Swan", where the swan symbolizes the Atman.

When used for meditation, "Sohum" acts as a natural mantra to control one's breathing pattern, to help achieve deep breath, and to gain concentration.

Sooooo... is the sound of inhalation, and is remembered in the mind along with that inhalation. Hummmm... is the sound of exhalation, and is remembered in the mind along with that exhalation.

Soham is also considered a mantra in Tantrism and Kriya Yoga, known also as Ajapa mantra, Ajapa Gayatri, Hamsa Gayatri, Hamsa mantra, prana mantra, Shri Paraprasada mantra, paramatma-mantra, and as such used notably on its own, in the meditation practice ajapa japa and in the kriya practice shabda sanchalana.

Choosing Your Own Mantra 

Choosing the mantra that works best for you takes trial and error. The mantra that resonates in this moment, may not make sense for you in the next. Your needs are constantly changing, so don’t get stuck in a mantra rut. There’s no need to get tied to one particular mantra, thinking that’s the mantra that’s best for you. The key here is to drop into your intuition and figure out what it is you need in this particular moment. While sticking to one mantra for 40 days can be effective, it’s not mandatory. At the end of the day, your spiritual journey is unique to your life---no one else’s. And your mantra practice will reflect this authenticity.

A Modern Mantra

Another thing to note is that a mantra doesn’t always have to be in Sanskrit. You can use modern-day mantras in your mother tongue.  As you become more experienced with various mantras, you might find that you like to mix and match. Use both traditional Sanskrit mantras with modern mantras and words, such as “Love”. Some people use their own name as a mantra! All are equally beneficial.

Get Creative 

Make a monthly theme for your mantra practice. You may wish to invoke the Goddess Durga around New Year’s, making the theme letting go of limits and slaying through old fears. You may want to mix and match with Durga and Ganesha around this time, as the elephant god represents new beginnings. Alternating between these two deities’ mantras, while bringing in a modern one of your own might work for say, the month of January. Some mantras are really pretty when set to music. Artists Deva Premal and Miten have beautiful albums dedicated to the art of mantra and music. You might find that you prefer listening to their music as you close your eyes and chant along. Deva Premal is famous for her rendition of the Gayatri mantra. You can listen to this one on YouTube for hours at a time. Use it as background music as you work and the healing sounds will surely soak into your subconscious mind. As you can see, you don’t have to stick with any one-size-fits-all formula. You are a modern yogi, which means restricting yourself to just the ancient mantras won’t always work for you. You’ll want to mix it up and get creative, and you should! Mantra meditation should be fun! Be creative and find what suits you. Let the mantra practice deepen your own sense of self and self-knowing. After all, that’s what yoga is all about!

For more on Mantras: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mantra

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Pranic Breathing: Nadi Shodhana or Alternate Nostril Breathing

One rythmic breathing, or Pranic Breathing exercise (Pranayama, or breath-control) that I do daily which I learned when studying Prana Healing at the University of Metaphysics (Sedona) is called Yoga Breath/Nadi Shodhana, or alternate nostril breathing. Hopefully you've already been practicing rythmic (Prana) breathing for awhile, which involves inhaling into your belly, not your lungs, (so it expands like a bellows) to the count of four, counting two heart-beats, then exhaling your breath by tightening your belly to the count of four; count two heart-beats then inhale to the count of four, count two, then exhale to the count of four. Four-two-four-two and so on.. This is not only relaxing, but prepares you to use Prana for self-healing and the healing of others. 

   Alternate nostril-breathing may be practiced in one of two ways. This is the method I learned from the university: press lightly the pad of your right-thumb on your right nostril, blocking it. Inhale through your left nostril to the count of four, release your thumb and place your right index-finger on your left-nostril, blocking it; count two beats and exhale through your right nostril to the count of four. Count two beats and inhale through your right nostril to the count of four, place your thumb on your right nostril as you count two beats, (releasing your index-finger) exhale through your left nostril to the count of four; count two beats, inhale through your left nostril  release your thumb and block your left nostril with the pad of your index-finger, count two beats then exhale from your right nostril to the count of four. Count two beats, then inhale to the count of four through your right nostril, count two beats, block your right nostril and exhale through your left nostril to the count of four, count two beats, inhale through your left nostril four beats, count two, block your left nostril and exhale through your right nostril to the count of four. Count two beats and repeat.

  A variation of finger placements: keep your index and second-finger at your third-eye, use your thumb when blocking the right nostril, and use your ring and pinky-fingers to block your left nostril when inhaling and exhaling as before.

  Practice this daily and enjoy the potential health benefits of lowering your blood-pressure and slowing down your breathing. Some have noticed a more peaceful night's sleep as well.  

  I can't speak highly enough about rythmic/Prana breath! 

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