Even though my relationship with prana began at conception, I was unaware of its forceful yet subtle presence for most of my growing years. It was not until I came into the path of yoga that the sacred presence of Prana was reintroduced to me through mindful awareness. My body became my lab, and my mind was trained to humbly follow my heart as we waited with reverence to witness Prana’s sacred presence.
Prana flowed freely where I was empty and receptive, bringing more presence, lightness, and grace. In spaces occupied by trauma and gripped with resistance, prana knocked and offered compassion as it waited patiently for me to release my emotions and past.
My tight shoulders bear testimony to Prana’s healing presence and loving counsel. Burdened by memories, I still resist and grip when I feel unsafe and vulnerable again.
But Prana is my teacher. It teaches me that I don’t need to fight anything. A little focus on its grosser counterpart, the Breath, is enough. As I invite breath into my belly, I let it fully occupy the space, bringing in that vitality. As I empty myself, it lets me dip into that healing reservoir of nothingness where, for a moment, it almost feels like time ceases to exist.
My emotions still block Prana’s path, and my fears still close the doors to my heart, but it is a journey and a process I’m willing to explore, learn, and grow.
My relationship with Prana is that of the treasure seeker searching for jewels, only to find them in her backyard. I’m still seeking; someday, I will return home and know IAM PRANA.