The hidden power within
Michaël Bijker is the founder of yogalap.com — the Life Awareness Project — which has helped over 100,000 people to tap into the power of the breath. Here, he shares some insight on how to begin to tap into the hidden power within us all
The yoga asanas help to open up and strengthen the mind, body and energy system. When this is done, one can practice the life-transforming techniques of yoga pranayama, the breathing techniques through which we can balance, harmonise and open up the nervous system and the more subtle layers of our being.
“These techniques help us realise that, in essence, we are a divine, limitless spirit. And when one can connect with that source, and live from that source, a whole new way of living will unfold!”
A remote to control all systems in the body
Breathing is connected with your whole nervous system and mind. When you are stressed or nervous, your breathing pattern will be more shallow and fast. When you are calm and relaxed, your breathing will be slow and deep. The way your mental state is greatly affects your breathing. But here is the beauty of this: it works both ways! So when you are stressed and feel tense, you can actively calm and relax your breathing which will greatly help to relax the mind.
Or when you feel low on energy, do a five-minute strong breathing practice called Bhastrika pranayama, and you will activate your whole energetic system. The breath is like a remote control for our whole energetic system. Through certain breathing techniques you can calm the mind and nervous system or activate and energise it.
Relax, heal and empower yourself
Pranayama has been scientifically proven to help treat a great variety of mental and physical ailments like depression, insomnia, healing trauma, conquering addiction, migraines, asthma, and the list can go on and on.
What is good to understand though is that pranayama and meditation goes a lot further than just treating ailments. These powerful ancient techniques help us to truly ‘awaken’ in this life. To understand that this physical form we have, our body, is only a layer of our whole being and in essence we are much more than just flesh and bones and our possessions. These techniques help us realise that, in essence, we are a divine, limitless spirit. And when one can connect with that source, and live from that source, a whole new way of living will unfold!
Learn to tap into the power of your breath
If you want to bring your yoga practice a level higher or just want to learn some powerful ways to balance and empower yourself, I invite you to look at the ‘Breath is Life’ pranayama and meditation course available on yogalap.com. These techniques have been life changing for millions of people, including myself. It is my mission to share this knowledge with the world, therefore the courses are offered for a ‘pay what you can’ price and are free for those that cannot afford to pay for them at all!
May all be blessed with peace and good energy!
Michaël Bijker is an E-RYT 500 yoga instructor and teaches people to become pranayama and breathwork instructors. Find him at: yogalap.com
Om Magazine
First published in November 2009, OM Yoga magazine has become the most popular yoga title in the UK. Available from all major supermarkets, independents and newsstands across the UK. Also available on all digital platforms.
