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 creation of man is 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 man’s physical body. GOD’s BREATH was necessary 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.
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, mindfulness training, 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.”
- Drink Water—stay hydrated. Sometimes taking a drink of water can provide a nice break from the computer, work or other things keeping you busy.
- 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 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))
LEARN HOW TO BREATHE
Fear and stress tend to create shallow breathing and short quick breaths, 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.
People engaging in “bad breathing,” can sometimes actually forget how to properly breathe.
Although there are a number of internet sites that discuss breathing, some of the commonly mentioned steps 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, and 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 in and out), then breathe deeply into your 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. Your breathing and your ability to relax and release tension and stress should improve over time.
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 a work break, waiting in line or while waiting in traffic.
WEIGHTS AND BREATH
If you lift weights (barbells, hand weights or use weight machines) try a session which co-ordinates your breath and your movement. When you exert muscles to lift the weight, breathe in through your nose slowly, again filling the abdominal area of your body. When you lower the weight, breathe out through your mouth until you empty the abdominal area.
Consider practicing a few controlled breaths before you begin your weight lifting or start with very light weights to focus just on your controlled breathing and breathing rhythm first.
Breathing correctly and with the proper posture can improve your weight lifting form and help you avoid injury. Remember the goal is not how much weight you can lift but how well you can comfortably lift weight, using proper breath and form, safely.
REMEMBERING OUR ORIGINS
Sometimes we just have to remember to breathe and remember GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL, no matter what we read---no matter what is occurring around us.
So, take a deep breath, have faith and BE BLESSED!
