In today’s hectic life, with harrowing conditions like stress at work and home, the impossible traffic gridlock of urban life the moment you step out of your doorstep, the daily struggle, the claustrophobic asphalt jungle, the hive of frantic activity, the choking dust and emission, the almighty swell of humanity, and a city drowned in a din and nasty stench—there is no escaping it.
That apart, with mounting demands and needs to cope with, which never seem to end, it is but natural for you to fall prey to conditions like anxiety, restlessness, distraction, panic attacks, and depression. These are the realities of modern life that we all have to deal with, and they can take a toll on our mental and physical health. That’s where Sky Breath Meditation comes in, offering a way to find peace and balance amidst the chaos.
If those disturbing conditions are not addressed promptly, they invite health issues such as hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes, with life-threatening or even fatal consequences. Nothing is more accurate than the saying: a sound mind in a sound body if you visualize living a happy, stress-free, healthy life.
Sky Breath Meditation, or Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), stands out from other meditation techniques. It’s a specific breath-based technique that guides your body and mind into a profound state of meditation through cyclical, rhythmic breathing. This unique approach sets it apart and makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a different meditation experience.
Some people may be concerned about the religious or spiritual aspects of the practice, but it’s important to note that SKY is a secular practice that can benefit people of all faiths or none. This emphasis on its secular nature ensures that everyone, regardless of their religious beliefs, can feel comfortable and included in the practice of Sky Breath Meditation.
A regular SKY breath session is more than just a detox. It’s a comprehensive purging of the mind, body, and emotions, relieving the stress and anxiety imposed by social responsibilities and limitations. Beyond this detox, Sky Meditation acts as a creativity booster, a focus sharpener, and a happiness and wellness generator from within. It’s a beacon of hope amid life’s chaos, offering tangible health benefits that can significantly improve your well-being.
Don’t just take my word for it, here’s what Sarah, a regular practitioner, has to say: “Since I started practicing Sky Breath Meditation, I’ve noticed a significant reduction in my stress levels and an increase in my overall well-being. It’s truly been a game-changer for me.” Sarah’s testimonial is a testament to the transformative power of Sky Breath Meditation, inspiring hope and optimism among those considering incorporating it into their lives.
SKY Breath Meditation was created by spiritual teacher Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in 1982 in Shimoga, India. One year earlier, in 1981, he started The Art of Living Foundation. This volunteer-based, humanitarian, and educational organization promotes peace and equality through humanitarian projects.
As a token of humanitarian well-being, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar observed a ten-day silence at the foundation’s initiation. The Art of Living Foundation has centers in 180 countries worldwide, including Nepal, located at Shankhamul Park, Shankhamul. This brief history of the practice, along with the global reach and impact of The Art of Living Foundation, helps us understand its roots and inspires respect for the values it embodies.
A Sanskrit word, Sudarshan Kriya translates to: ‘Su’ means power, ‘darshan’ means vision, and ‘Kriya’ means cleansing the body. Thus, Sudarshan Kriya (SKY) symbolizes ‘proper vision by purifying action’. This definition adds depth to our understanding of the practice and its goals. It’s not just about physical health, but also about spiritual growth and self-realization. By practicing SKY, you’re not just improving your health, but also deepening your understanding of yourself and the world around you.
SKY breath meditation is a unique yogic breathing practice that embraces different cyclical breathing forms, varying from slow and soothing to rapid and exhilarating. It is a yogic practice of breathing for health. The best part is, you can do it anywhere, anytime. Whether you’re at home, in the office, or even on a crowded bus, you can always find a few minutes to practice SKY and reap its benefits. This flexibility and ease of integration into your daily routine empower you to take control of your well-being.
Sky Breath Meditation, also known as Sudarshan Kriya, originates in traditional yoga and is based on the yogic practice of Pranayama. In Sanskrit, Prana means life and energy, while Yama signifies the practice of breath regulation. Pranayama is an integral part of yoga that people have practiced for ages to promote physical and mental wellness.
How to do it
The cyclic breathing of Sky Breath Meditation involves four distinct stages: Ujjayi (victorious breath), Bhastrika (Bellow Breaths), chanting of Om, and finally, the Sudarshan kriya. The Sudarshan kriya, the last stage, consists of 20 extended, slow in-and-out breaths, 40 medium-length breaths, and 40 short, fast breaths. This controlled breathing cycle of 20-40-40 is repeated three times.
Let’s examine the purported health benefits of Sky breath meditation, which has gained widespread popularity quickly and influenced over 45m people worldwide. These benefits include: improved sleep, reduced anxiety and depression, increased focus and concentration, enhanced immune function, and better cardiovascular health. These are just a few of the many ways that Sky Breath Meditation can improve your health and well-being.
May alleviate stress and anxiety
The rise of serum cortisol or ‘stress hormones’ levels causes stress. It’s the main culprit behind all ailments, including life-threatening metabolic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. According to the American Medical Association, stress is responsible for close to 80 percent of all diseases.
A regular session of Sudarshan Kriya (SKY) operates at the cellular level, purifying and organizing cells, tissues, organ systems, and organisms from the smallest to the most complex. This yogic meditation boosts your energy levels and shields you from stress.
Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) is also recommended for physicians. Their work often involves intense stress and burnout.
Helps calm your mind
When practicing Bhastrika pranayama, you must perform rapid, continuous breathing, which soothes your brain. You can feel the flow of calmness and control surge through your body.
Manages your lipid profile
Clinical studies show that regular practice of Sudarshan Kriya (SKY) lowers LDL cholesterol and raises HDL cholesterol. SKY also helps maintain heart health by preventing heart failure, stroke, arrhythmia, heart attack, and other issues. It strengthens your foundation for health and well-being.
The International Journal of Yoga reported on a study of undergraduate engineering students. Regular Sudarshan Kriya (SKY) and Pranayama helped improve exam stress and participants’ lipid profiles and blood parameters.
SKY’s controlled breathing regulates the autonomic nervous system. This has positive effects on many physiological processes. Scientific research supports the benefits of Sky Breath Meditation for mental, heart, and immune health.
Fortifies the immune system
Research at AIIMS, New Delhi, studied Sudarshan Kriya (SKY). Results show that regular practice appears to enhance the body's antioxidant defenses at the enzyme, RNA, and DNA levels, thereby protecting cells from oxidative stress damage.
Helps diabetics
Studies have found that a routine regimen of Sudarshan Kriya (SKY) practice promotes self-awareness, behavioral changes, and mindfulness, helping you adopt a better lifestyle, eat healthier food, and avoid self-harmful habits if you have diabetes.
Research and studies support the idea that Sudarshan Kriya (SKY) enhances cellular metabolism by supplying each cell with adequate oxygen, improving insulin resistance and glucose tolerance, and boosting insulin sensitivity. Thus, SKY yogic meditation helps reduce oxidative stress, a bane for type II diabetes. And the boost in antioxidant enzymes helps wreak havoc on free radicals.
The benefits of SKY breath meditation remain untold, almost at arm’s length. Some of them are as follows:
- Relieves depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Relaxes body organs
- Recharges energy and stamina
- Alleviates fatigue
- Reduces body and joint pains (Muscle or musculoskeletal pain)
- Enhances creativity
- Activates the brain
- Boosts mental focus and clarity of mind
- Promotes better sleep
- Betters self-esteem
- Imparts tranquility and peace of mind
- Alleviate PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
- Improves the asthma condition
In a nutshell, SKY Breath Meditation, or Sudarshan Kriya, is a yogic practice that works wonders. It relieves mental stress, fights off life-threatening diseases, and offers a healthy, calm, and peaceful life. Best of all, it’s a practice that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine, giving you the power to take control of your well-being. OM!
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the above text are solely research-based, not medical advice; the author solicits reader discretion and cross-references or consulting a healthcare practitioner for further validation. For a better understanding and more fruitful results, please seek guidance from a qualified and experienced yoga expert before practicing SKY, or call the Foundation’s phone number given above
