Various religious and spiritual traditions from the East have advocated combining breath and a mantra to induce a deep meditative state leading to spiritual and emotional healing. Dr. Herbert Benson, founder of the Harvard Mind-Body Medical Institute has studied these claims using Western scientific methods. Dr. Benson's research has demonstrated the body moves into what he calls the "relaxation response" when such methods are used.
The Relaxation Response
To quote Dr. Benson, "The relaxation response is a physical state of deep rest that changes the physical and emotional response to stress... and the opposite of the fight or flight response."
The fight or flight response is a reaction to stress which elevates blood pressure, disrupts digestion, and releases hormones which can be destructive for the body on a long-term basis. Fight or flight was never intended by nature to be a long-term state of being. It was meant to marshal all your physical forces to run or fight with all your might to preserve your life.
The relaxation response moves the body back into the rhythm needed for a healthy reaction to life. Food can be easily digested, blood pressure returns to normal and the stress hormones are no longer released. In a sense, the body relaxes and responds with a "Ahh, all is fine now. I'm safe."
Is there really spiritual healing through the relaxation response? Dr. Benson, in his method, uses a simple word to focus the mind. If you go to his WEB site you will find he has you repeat "one."
Ho'oponopono
If you move to Ho'oponopono healing from the Hawaiian tradition, you find something different. The relaxing power of breath is still used; however, phrases with spiritual meaning are also used. Instead of continually repeating "one," you repeat the following with your inhale and exhale:
- I love you
- Please forgive me
- I am sorry
- Thank you
Try this now.
Inhale deeply and slowly while thinking, "I love you."
Now exhale slowly and think, "Please forgive me."
Again with a deep, leisurely inhale, "I am sorry."
Finally, on the exhale, "Thank you."
Now exhale slowly and think, "Please forgive me."
Again with a deep, leisurely inhale, "I am sorry."
Finally, on the exhale, "Thank you."
Very simple, isn't it?
Releasing Emotional Pain
The spiritual healing is deeply activated when you combine the above with the memory of a painful event. This can be something you did or something someone did to you.
Bring something to mind that continues to cause you pain when you remember it. Set your intention to release and heal this event. As you inhale and say, "I love you," see love leaving you and going to the other person. Now, with your exhale say "Please forgive me." You are asking for forgiveness energy to come to you for whatever part you played. As you say "I am sorry" with your inhale, you are releasing any bitterness within you. With the final breath release of "I love you," you are stating your returning to oneness with the individual.
Continue this process until the pain is gone or greatly relieved.
If you make a commitment to doing this, you will find yourself relaxing emotionally and physically. The tension and bitterness from the event leaves you. The joy hidden by the pain is released.
Cathy Chapman, Ph.D., LCSW assists people achieve their dreams of health, wealth and abundance. She is an affiliate and part owner in the Healing Silks company. Go to http://www.CathysHealingSilks.com to purchase beautiful and powerful Ho'oponopono healing tools.
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