Genesis 2:7 And the LORD GOD formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. [King James translation]
Summary
The book of Genesis, the first book of the Bible, is about origins and beginnings. The very first words, in the first verse, in the first chapter, in Genesis are: "In the beginning GOD...." In Greek the word "Genesis" means origin. In Latin, the word means "beginnings." The book of Genesis describes the origin of light, darkness, day, night, the heavens, the earth, land, vegetation, the moon and the stars. The book of Genesis also describes the creation of birds, fish, animals and mankind.
The creation of man is actually described in two parts. In Genesis, Chapter 1, the creation of man's spiritual origins is discussed. Genesis 1:26-27 states:
Then GOD said, '"Let us make a man---someone like ourselves, to be master of all life upon the earth and in the skies and in the sea.' So GOD made man like his Maker."
This scripture about man's "spiritual" creation is consistent with John 4:24, which states: "GOD is a Spirit: and they that worship HIM must worship HIM in spirit and in truth."
The second part of mankind's creation addresses man's "physical" or bodily creation. In Genesis, Chapter 2, the Bible states:
The time came when the Lord GOD formed a man's body from the dust of the ground and breathed into it the breath of life. And man became a living person.
GOD breathed into the body of man life and then man became physical living being. GOD's BREATH is essential for life.
BREATH, STRESS & HEALTH
Stress is a part of human life. Many of the characters in the Bible went through stressful situations (e.g., Moses, Noah, Ruth, Mary and Joseph, Paul, Silas, Peter, John). If left unmanaged, stress can become chronic and can lead to unhealthy results. The difference between "normal stress" and "unhealthy stress," is like the difference between a light rain and a raging hurricane. One can be invigorating; however, the other can lead to disastrous results.
Stress is a risk factor for heart disease. Chronic stress can elevate levels of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Stress can change the way blood clots, which increases the risk of heart attack. See "Heart Disease and Stress," www.WebMD.com.
An interesting aspect about stress is that stress does not affect everyone the same way. What may be stressful for one individual may not be stressful at all to another.
However, researchers have identified some of the more "common stressors," that often affect many people. Some of these include:
- Death of a friend or loved one.
- Problems in a personal relationship.
- Work overload.
- Starting a new job.
- Unemployment.
- Retirement.
- Pregnancy.
- Relocation.
- Legal problems.
- Financial concerns.
- Perfectionism.
- Racism and sexism.
- Divorce.
Women in general and working mothers specifically are prone to higher stress. Older adults, particularly those with medical problems, which some researchers assume weakens their immune system, also report high stress levels.
MANAGING STRESS MINDFULLY
Some common ways to manage or reduce stress include:
- Exercise - Physical exercise releases endorphins (i.e., chemical transmitters found in the brain) which help the body reduce stress.
- Relaxation Techniques – Such techniques include: breathing, meditation, yoga, tai chi, muscle relaxation, listening to music.
- Sensibly Eating and Drinking – Avoiding alcohol, overeating or sweets as a means of trying to make yourself "feel better."
- Living In Accordance With Your Values – Feeling good about the actions you are taking and the values you have. (e.g. Making sure your actions line up with the WORD of GOD (i.e., scripture))
- Maintaining a Positive Attitude – Feeling that things are under control; feeling good about yourself; avoiding negative thinking by having faith and claiming Scripture. Examples of claiming Scripture, include affirming that:
(i) I can do all things through CHRIST....(Philippians 4:13);
(ii) Nothing will ever be able to separate me from the love of GOD...(Romans 8:39);
(iii) I will not fret because of evil doers...I will trust in the LORD and do good. If I
will delight myself in the LORD, HE will give me the desires of mine heart. If I
commit my ways to the LORD and trust in HIM, HE will bring it to pass...
(Psalms 37:1,3,4,5))
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LEARN HOW TO BREATHE
Fear and stress tend to create shallow breathing and short quick breathes, which in turn can make one feel more stressed and increase a person's lack of well-being. Shallow breathing occurs in the upper part of the chest, usually resulting in more shoulder movement and chest tightness. Sometimes people engage in "bad breathing," sometimes actually forgetting how to properly breathe.
Although there are a number of internet sites which discuss breathing, some of the steps mentioned usually include the following:
- Find a quiet place. You may even want to do this lying down to prevent yourself from slouching over or to keep from rounding the back. If you are not used to sitting in a yoga (straight back) position, you may want to sit with your back against a wall or place a yoga block against your lower back for support. Or, sit in a chair with your lower back touching the back of a chair, your neck, shoulders forward and relaxed. If you decide to stand, keep your back straight, tilt your pelvis forward and try to relax by imagining that there is an invisible string extending from your head to the ceiling holding you upward, like a puppet. Allow your knees to bend ever so slightly.
- Pick a spot below your navel around your abdomen (you may even want to place your hand over that spot or you can place one hand over the abdomen and one hand over your chest to make sure only the abdomen hand is moving), then breathe deeply into abdomen spot through your nose.
- Think of sending as much as much oxygen as possible to that area until that area is fully expanded.
- Then gently exhale, pushing out all of the air (you should feel your hand sink into your lower stomach).
- Focus on the air going in and focus on the air going out. Try to relax with each breath.
If you think you need help or additional instruction, consider taking yoga, tai chi or a Pilates class. You might even consult a voice teacher, or ask your personal physician for some breathing or other relaxation exercises. Try to practice deep breathing for at least 5 minutes each day. You may even want to play some soothing music during these quiet times. You can also practice relaxation breathing during your commute ride, at work, while waiting in line or while waiting in traffic. Your breathing and your ability to relax and release tension and stress should improve over time.
REMEMBERING OUR ORIGINS
Sometimes we just have to remember that GOD REALLY IS IN CONTROL. HE was in control in the beginning; and HE will be in control in the end.
So, take a deep breath, have faith, breathe deeply and Be Blessed!
