The Power of Awareness

According to Ayurveda there is one source of all energy. This single source is called Prana, the life force that is active in every physical event as well as every thought and emotion. Prana is difficult to precisely define; however, the reality of Prana is experienced whenever you feel truly alive—whenever your mind is clear and alert and your body is healthy and full of vitality.

Although good nutrition is an important way to acquire Prana, it is only one factor. The physical and organic qualities of what you eat cannot be separated from how you eat. To receive the full Prana from the food you eat, it is vital to eat with attention and intention. This is an important point in a discussion about ideal weight since it has been shown that eating with conscious awareness elevates metabolism.

The following Breathing Awareness Meditation is an extremely effective technique for dealing with emotionally based cravings and binges. Through awareness of your breath and regulating your breathing pattern, you can strongly influence your state of mind. When you feel the craving for a particular food, try this meditation. Afterwards you may find that your craving has dissipated.

Breathing Awareness Meditation
1. Reserve some quiet time alone. Begin by sitting quietly, holding your hands lightly at your sides or in your lap. Close your eyes.
2. Start to breathe lightly and easily, letting your attention follow your breathing. Feel the breath flowing down into your lungs. There’s no need to inhale deeply or hold your breath; just breathe normally.
3. When you exhale, let your attention follow the air up out of your lungs and softly through the nostrils.
4. Let your breath move gently and easily, with your attention following. Then make your breathing a little lighter. Don’t force any of this.
5. Thoughts and images will continue to appear and swirl through your mind. Don’t pay attention to them; just patiently keep coming back to your breath.
6. Continue this relaxed breathing for about five minutes, with your eyes closed and your mind focused on the easy, natural flow of your breath.

Try this simple meditation to help activate Prana.

The meditation uses the power of intention to improve digestion and metabolism. It should be done when you are eating alone. The technique involves eating slowly and deliberately, while consciously intending every movement.

Eating Awareness Meditation
1. Begin by looking at the food with an awareness of the intention to look at it.
2. Become aware of the food’s aroma by having the intention of being aware of it.

3. When you taste each bite, intend to taste it.

By eating even just one or two meals a week with awareness and intention, you can gradually improve your whole attitude while increasing Prana, revving up your metabolism, and nourishing your body with healthful food.