The Art of Investing in Yourself
In an age where information is accessible with a few clicks, it’s easy to forget the value of truly immersing ourselves in the wisdom that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit. Practices that once required pilgrimages to temples and years of dedication are now available at our fingertips. Yet, amidst this convenience, the challenge remains: how do we cultivate presence, balance, and vitality in our daily lives?
This teaching explores the timeless principles of self-investment through breathing, movement, and awareness practices. It’s not just about learning techniques but about weaving them into the fabric of your life for long-term growth and resilience.
The Shift from Scarcity to Abundance
Not long ago, accessing sacred knowledge required immense effort. Whether it was finding a teacher or obtaining a rare text, the process was arduous. Fast forward to today: we have resources like live sessions, recordings, and even YouTube videos bringing ancient wisdom to our homes.
This shift from scarcity to abundance offers incredible opportunities but also presents new challenges. The ease of access can dilute the perceived value of these practices. The question becomes: Are we truly engaging with these tools, or are we passively consuming them?
The Power of Breath
Breath is the cornerstone of self-regulation and energy cultivation. It is the bridge between the physical and the energetic, the tangible and the subtle. Below are foundational techniques that exemplify how breath can be a tool for transformation:
1. Purging Breath
This method is designed to release tension, stress, or stagnant energy. It creates a sense of lightness and prepares the body for deeper work.
How to practice:
Start by inhaling deeply and exhaling fully.
Gradually extend the exhale to three, four, or even five counts.
Incorporate breath holds after the exhale to deepen the release.
This practice acts like a mental and emotional reset, clearing away what no longer serves you.
2. Box Breathing
This technique is ideal for finding equilibrium, especially when you feel scattered or overwhelmed.
How to practice:
Inhale for a set count (e.g., two or three seconds).
Hold the breath for the same count.
Exhale for the same count and then hold again.
Box breathing provides structure and rhythm, gently guiding your mind and body back to balance.
3. Chi Breathing
For those looking to cultivate vitality and energy, chi breathing is transformative.
How to practice:
Begin with deep, slow breaths, gradually increasing the inhalation to a full minute if possible.
The focus shifts from drawing in oxygen to filling your energetic “bank account” with life force.
Maintain a relaxed posture, even as the intensity builds.
This technique is not just about physical respiration but about activating the body’s deeper energy reserves.
From Practice to Mastery
Mastery is not about perfection; it’s about presence. Whether you’re breathing, moving, or meditating, the aim is to fully engage with the moment. Even a single second of true engagement can be transformative.
For instance, consider the story of the woman attempting cold baths. She struggled for years to immerse herself fully until she reframed her goal: instead of aiming for minutes, she started with one second. That single second of immersion was a victory, and it allowed her to build confidence gradually.
The same principle applies to breathwork and movement. Start small. Focus on what you can do now. Mastery is less about the duration or intensity and more about consistency and intentionality.
Standing Practices: Moving Energy
After breathwork, standing practices are a natural progression to circulate and stabilize the energy. One powerful technique is the “shake the nine gates” practice:
Shaking the Nine Gates
Begin by lightly bouncing and shaking your body, starting with the calves and moving up.
Add rhythmic breathing to enhance the flow of energy.
This simple yet effective exercise clears stagnation, promotes circulation, and invigorates the body.
Horse Stance
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and sink into a seated posture.
Hold the position while maintaining a relaxed upper body.
The horse stance strengthens the lower body, cultivates endurance, and grounds your energy. It is particularly valuable when you feel stuck or out of balance.
The Ultimate Investment
In conversations about financial investments, the focus often revolves around portfolios, assets, and long-term strategies. However, the most critical investment is often overlooked: you.
Your health: Without a strong body, no external wealth can be fully enjoyed.
Your energy: Vitality fuels every action and interaction.
Your awareness: The ability to be fully engaged transforms routine tasks into meaningful experiences.
While material possessions can be replaced, your well-being is irreplaceable. By consistently investing in practices like breathwork and movement, you cultivate resilience and ensure that you can fully participate in life’s opportunities.
Falling Off and Coming Back
No practice is linear. There will be days when you feel disconnected, distracted, or unmotivated. The key is not to avoid falling off but to develop the ability to return quickly.
When you notice yourself drifting, take a moment to pause. Reconnect with your breath. Bring your attention back to your center. This ability to recover is what sustains long-term growth and self-mastery.
Conclusion
We live in extraordinary times where ancient practices are more accessible than ever. The tools are there, but it’s up to you to use them. Start small. Focus on the present. Celebrate each moment of engagement as a step toward deeper self-investment.
In the end, these practices are not about the tools themselves but about what they help you build: a life of balance, energy, and purpose. By investing in yourself, you ensure that you can navigate challenges with grace and create a foundation for lasting well-being.
Take a deep breath. Let it anchor you to this moment. And know that in this act, you are doing the most valuable work there is.