This is where we can work with the subtle flow of prana or life force energy. By using specific breathing techniques, we can clear blockages and balance the flow of energy within the body. This can help us feel more vibrant, alive, and connected to the universe around us.

One powerful technique for working with the energy body is called pranayama, which involves controlling the breath to manipulate the flow of prana. By practicing pranayama regularly, we can enhance our vitality and spiritual awareness.

In addition to pranayama, other energy-based practices such as qigong or tai chi can also help us connect with the energy body and cultivate a sense of balance and harmony within ourselves.

Overall, by working with the physical, emotional, mental, and energy bodies through breathwork, we can undergo a profound transformation that aligns us with our true nature and helps us live a more fulfilling and authentic life. This is the level at which energy healers such as acupuncturists, reiki, and pranic healers work. It is the underlying morphic field that supports the integrity and form of the physical body. Yoga and tantra also make extensive use of this system for healing and personal transformation.

A healthy subtle energy body moves and flows through thousands of ‘channels’ in the body and gathers, but still moves through the chakras. An unhealthy subtle energy body has blockages and is stagnant, which can cause discomfort. When the energy body holds trauma from the past, it is called the pain body by Eckhart Tolle.

The technique used for this level of transformation is a Tibetan tantric practice called Tummo, which means inner fire or inner light. This practice, promoted by practitioners as the fastest path to enlightenment, uses the breath and visualizations to connect with subtle energy. This practice can help develop a blissful connection with subtle energy and clear blockages and past traumas.

Tummo is also associated with developing an inner fire that reportedly allowed practitioners to survive in snowy mountain areas with barely any clothing. Expert practitioners in Tibet would demonstrate their skill in this technique by drying wet sheets placed over their bodies in icy conditions.

Consciousness transformation

Finally, the deepest level of breathwork or any spiritual practice is connecting with your true Self. At this level, it’s all about identity. Identifying with the temporary conditions of your body, mind, or culture creates an ego that seems very real but is, in fact, a fabrication. The spiritual body that is the fundamental basis of your being is known by many names but essentially boils down to being a limitless kind of consciousness or awareness.

This deepest level is different from the mental body, which is localized and arises from interactions between the brain, senses, and a perceived object. The deepest level of consciousness is non-local and limitless, just like space. Often, it is described as heavenly and transcends conceptual categories because it can never be perceived by consciousness because it is consciousness itself.

Being ‘heaven-like,’ this deepest level is not transformed in any way. It is known as eternally present and already whole and complete. What has been transformed is the ignorance of not recognizing this consciousness as your true self.

This spiritual body or field is open, clear, and without borders or boundaries. The experience of connecting with the spiritual body is often described as a mystical state of Oneness or a union with all that is. In yoga terms, the culmination of breathwork or pranayama is union with universal consciousness.

One way to practice this in breathwork classes is to sit in this open field of awareness after every other technique. After each clearing or purification of each body, you can rest in the space that remains and use it as a gateway to this ultimate dimension of consciousness.

Sitting in this space, without trying to produce or transform anything, you can discover the embodied wholeness that is already present and already complete. This is a Zen-like practice that works brilliantly after calming the nervous system, increasing love, or clearing energy blockages. In fact, in the gradual systems of Tibetan Buddhism, all these previous practices are seen as preparations for this ultimate Self-consciousness.

In addition to simply sitting in wholeness, ‘heaven breathing’ can help you connect with the limitless and heavenly dimensions of your true self. This is a simple breathwork technique that dissolves the boundaries between the inner and outer worlds, allowing the practitioner to discover limitless possibilities.

If you would like to take an online breathwork course, you can learn more about it and register HERE.

Written by Chad Foreman

Chad Foreman is the founder of The Way of Meditation and has been teaching meditation since 2003, determined to bring authentic meditation practices into the lives of millions of people in the modern world. Chad is a former Buddhist monk who lived in a retreat hut for six years and studied and practiced meditation full-time. He now has over twenty years of experience teaching meditation. Chad likes regularly Meditation retreats on the Sunshine Coast, Australia. He provides three online programs – The 21 Day Meditation Challenge to gradually guide people from the basic principles of mindfulness and relaxation to profound states of consciousness. Breathwork to help manage stress and go deeper into meditation and The bliss of inner fire. This is a Buddhist tantric method to clear energy blockages and connect with the clear light of bliss. You can also get Chad’s free ebook now Insights on the go.

Top 5 Workout Tips for Men

Introduction

When it comes to staying fit and healthy, men have unique needs and challenges that require specific strategies. Here are five workout tips tailored just for men to help you achieve your fitness goals faster and more effectively.

1. Focus on Strength Training

Men naturally have higher levels of testosterone, which makes them more predisposed to building muscle mass. Incorporating strength training into your workout routine is essential for maximizing this advantage. Focus on compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses to target multiple muscle groups and increase overall strength.

2. Prioritize Protein Intake

Protein is the building block of muscle, making it crucial for men looking to gain muscle mass and recover effectively after workouts. Aim to include lean sources of protein in every meal, such as chicken, fish, eggs, and Greek yogurt. Supplementing with protein shakes can also help meet your daily protein requirements.

3. Incorporate High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

HIIT is a highly effective workout method for men looking to burn fat and improve cardiovascular health. This type of training involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by brief rest periods. Not only does HIIT maximize calorie burn during the workout, but it also boosts metabolism for hours after you’ve finished exercising.

4. Get Enough Rest and Recovery

Rest is just as crucial as exercise when it comes to building muscle and improving fitness. Make sure to get an adequate amount of sleep each night to allow your body to recover and repair muscle tissue. Incorporating rest days into your workout routine is also essential to prevent burnout and overtraining.

5. Stay Consistent and Track Your Progress

Consistency is key to seeing results from your workouts. Create a realistic workout schedule that aligns with your goals and stick to it. Tracking your progress, whether it’s through keeping a workout journal or using fitness apps, can help you stay motivated and make adjustments to your routine as needed.

By following these workout tips tailored for men, you can take your fitness to the next level and achieve the physique and health you desire.