What we inhale is our life force. With every breath, we send this life force to our cells in an inward and downward motion. When we smoke, the air is no longer pure; it carries toxic substances that not only kill the prana we take in but also introduce harmful chemicals to our system.
This damages our primary subdosha—the life-giving Prana Vayu. Because it is deeply linked to our mental balance, smoking causes us to drift away from our pure awareness. Remember: right thoughts cultivate right actions, leading us to right attention (how we direct our energy). Pranayama and aromatherapy are the best remedies for restoring this balance to the body.
Furthermore, Sadhaka Pitta becomes affected, shifting us from a sattvic life toward a tamasic one—moving from balance toward darkness.
Smoking also impacts our agni (digestion), not just for food but for everything we encounter in life. When agni is balanced, we can clear away negativity to see our life's purpose. Yet, we must remember that the process of life is the purpose! When it is disturbed, it manifests as low self-esteem, lack of confidence, nerve inflammation, headaches from overthinking, unresolved anger, impatience, and an inability to receive love. Balancing our addictions is key to rebalancing this subdosha.
Through pranayama, meditation, and practicing clear perception, we return to the truth: the process of life is the purpose!
Whether it is the smoke we inhale, the food we use to numb our emotions, or the sexual energy we scatter without intention—every addiction is a search for a 'wholeness' we feel we have lost. When we overeat, we drown our inner fire (Agni). When we use sexuality as a distraction, we deplete our vital essence (Ojas). The cure is the same: returning to the center. Before you react to the urge, find the gap. Breathe into that silence. Ask yourself: 'What am I truly hungry for?'
While we often associate smoking with cancer, this illness frequently results when an individual undergoes a physical or mental experience that the personality finds utterly indigestible. Our ego is so unwilling to face this reality that it isolates it, creating a separate identity for that indigestible fact. This 'alien' experience lies in wait within the organism until it finds an abnormal, rebellious cell to inhabit, and an invader is born.
There is always an emotional cause behind our habits, one we often hide from ourselves. First, we must recognize the danger of the situation and change the habits tied to the addiction. Do you drink coffee with a cigarette? Stop the coffee for a while. Do you eat when you feel emotionally down? Notice that you aren't actually hungry and make a different choice, like taking a walk or drinking a glass of water.
Awareness is the key, even though addictions try to block our mindful decisions.
A simple Pranayama practice for beginners:
Connecting with our breath is vital. Notice your breath throughout the day and take 2-3 small breaks. Start with 2 minutes and gradually increase to 5 minutes.
To break the cycle of the moment, set alarms for times that suit you and find a calm corner to concentrate. Watch your breath. Use nostril breathing and count your inhales and exhales. Inhale for 3, 4, or 5 counts, and exhale for the same duration. Keep the lengths even. Use a shorter count to keep the breathing easy and peaceful; do not force it to be longer. It will settle with time and practice. There is no competition; simply sit and observe.
As your breath calms down, your heart will beat slower, and your mind will follow, becoming still. These "three besties" are the keys to our well-being. In this sattvic state, your life will hold more joy and positivity, and your purpose will become clear.
Enjoy life and breathe in with curiosity, exhale with surrender.
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