The Struggle Between Mind and Breath
Whenever there is anxiety, stress, jealousy, or any vice arising within, notice where your attention is. These are called Vasanas and Vikaras—tendencies and disturbances that come from the mind. The moment you experience them, you should understand that your mind is switched on.
When the mind is switched on in this way, your sympathetic nervous system is also switched on. That is the system of stress and survival. It triggers a chain reaction in your body—stress hormones are released, digestion slows down, fatigue sets in, pain and anxiety increase, and your vital energy is lost. From that very moment, the destruction of the body begins.
The mind consumes the energy of your breath. Whatever your breathing rhythm is, the mind forces it to increase. In a shorter span of time, the mind eats away much of your energy, leaving you depleted and restless.
But here lies the secret: the solution is hidden in the very same breath.
Recognizing the Signs
The first step is recognition. You must be aware of what is happening inside.
Notice when your mind begins to consume your energy:
- Your hands and legs feel weak.
- You feel drained and heavy.
- Breathing shifts from the belly to the chest, shallow and restless.
- You feel powerless, as if your mind is dragging you into turbulence.
This awareness itself is the turning point. The moment you catch yourself in this cycle, you have a choice: to remain in the grip of the mind, or to take back control through breath.
Taking Control of the Breath
Begin by shifting your focus to your exhalation. This is the gateway to mastery.
If your inhalation is about two seconds, extend your exhalation to at least three seconds. By elongating your exhale, you reclaim the reins of your inner system. The more you emphasize exhalation, the more naturally your inhalation will also fall into rhythm.
In just one minute of conscious breathing, you will notice the change. Your breath slows down, your body begins to calm, and the mind loses its grip. You begin to feel that control has returned—not over the outside world, but over your own system.
Practicing the Technique
Whenever stress arises—whether you are alone with your thoughts or in the middle of a difficult situation—immediately turn to your breath.
- Focus on your exhalation.
- Make it three seconds, then four, then five, six, or even more.
- Continue for at least five to ten minutes.
As you do this, observe:
- Your thoughts lose their intensity.
- Your body stops reacting to external triggers.
- You stop damaging your inner system through unnecessary stress.
The situations outside you may remain the same—challenging, perhaps even hostile—but inside, a great shift takes place. You stop feeding the destruction caused by the mind.
Breath as the Keeper of Prana
This simple activity reveals the importance of breath, or more precisely, the importance of Prana—the vital life force carried through the breath.
The equation is simple:
- More Prana means less mind.
- More mind means less Prana.
Every time you elongate your exhalation, you increase Prana within your system. Every time you allow the mind to dominate with its Vasanas and Vikaras, you reduce the flow of Prana.
Therefore, keep this equation deeply engraved in your awareness. Always strive to increase Prana, for in that lies mastery over the mind.
Why the Exhalation Holds the Key
Exhalation is the process of letting go. When you consciously prolong your exhale, you release not only carbon dioxide but also tension, toxins, and accumulated mental chatter.
In yogic science, the longer exhale connects you with the parasympathetic system—the system of rest, repair, and regeneration. It brings harmony to the heart, balances the nervous system, and heals the tissues.
When you exhale longer than you inhale, you create a state where the mind can no longer dominate. The breath becomes the master, and the mind becomes the servant.
A Daily Practice for Mastery
Set aside a few minutes each day to practice this secret technique:
- Sit comfortably with your spine erect.
- Place one hand on your belly and one on your chest.
- Inhale gently into the belly for two seconds.
- Exhale slowly for three to six seconds, feeling the belly contract.
- Continue for at least ten minutes.
Do this daily. Over time, you will notice that even in stressful situations, your breath naturally slows down, and your system refuses to be hijacked by the mind.
Breath as the Bridge
Breath is the bridge between the body and the mind, between the conscious and the subconscious. It is the tool through which you can regulate your energy system at will.
Whenever the mind drags you into fear, anger, or jealousy, do not fight the thought directly. Fighting the mind only strengthens it. Instead, bypass the mind and move into the breath. By lengthening your exhale, you pull the current of energy away from the mind and back into balance.
This is the secret to inner control—not through suppression, not through resistance, but through the mastery of breath.
The Path of Freedom
As you continue this practice, a new understanding dawns. You realize that external situations need not enslave you. Stressful circumstances may arise, but you are no longer their victim.
You learn that you have the power to stop the destruction caused by the mind. By making the exhalation longer, you safeguard your body, your mind, and your energy system.
Breath becomes your anchor. Prana becomes your strength. Mind loses its tyranny.
Final Words
The importance of breath cannot be overstated. It is the source of life, the regulator of energy, and the key to mastery. The secret lies in keeping exhalation longer than inhalation.
This is not merely a technique—it is a way of living. By practicing it regularly, you align yourself with the natural rhythm of Prana, restore balance in your system, and free yourself from the domination of the mind.
Remember always: more Prana, less mind. More mind, less Prana. Choose breath. Choose Prana. And let your life be guided by this secret.
