DE-STRESS, HAWAIIAN STYLE
Mai no'oe, ka Uhane Nui Ha mai ka ola
(From you, oh Great Spirit, comes the breath of life)
Image Source: Cate Bligh (Unsplash)
In previous posts, we began our journey towards wellness by describing the physiological actions of the relaxation response and how it helps us combat everyday stressors. Today, I will give you another item you can put in your anti-stress toolbox - deep breathing. It's a simple technique that we can all master. For this, we travel to the Pacific and enlist the help of the ancient Hawaiians.
AncientHuna.com tells us that Hawaii is much more than our 50th State; it also dwells within you no matter where you reside (2024). This site relates to Hawaii, meaning "the supreme life's force that rides on the breath, anytime, anywhere." Ha is the breath of life (2024). This concept is not limited to the islands; it's a universal truth we can all tap into. After all, island time is just that, island time. I know, because I have traveled there several times.
The downside is that once I returned to the hustle and bustle of city life, I quickly fell into old habits that never seemed to die hard. So, how can we reconnect with the inner peace of our island (whether you have been to Hawaii or not)? Ancient Huna shows us how. The key is to remember that Ha means breath, and it is in this breath that we will re-establish the "Hawaiian" (Relaxation) Response. Try the following technique when you become stressed, whether running for your life, taking a test, or just sitting in traffic.
Image Source: Jeremy Bishop (Unsplash)
Let's say, for example, that you are sitting behind your desk at work and aggravated by the boss who just dumped an increased workload in your lap. You can feel your "blood begin to boil," and suddenly, you can't think or see straight. Close your eyes, take a deep breath through your nose, and expand your lungs as much as possible. Then, exhale through your mouth while whispering the sound "Ha" (the exhale should be twice as long as the inhale cycle of your breath). Ancient Huna says to sit in silence or listen to soft music and continue this practice for at least five minutes (2024). Think about nothing else but retreating to your Hawaiian island. Feel the life force of the islands that slow down breathing and heart rate and lower your blood pressure. Say Haaaaaaaaa. Until next time -
Namaste,
Tim
References
Meditation: Ha Breathing (2014). Ancient Huna. Retrieved from http://www.ancienthuna.com/ha_breathing.htm on 7/9/2024.
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