Sacred Manna, Sacred Breath

Dolphin …
Breathe with me.
Breath of the Divine,
Manna of the Universe,

In Oneness we entwine.

~Jamie Sams & David Carson

Sitting in the radiant light of the morning sunrise, breathing in. The air thick, warm, salty. Crow impatiently caws, Mourning Dove coos softly, the wind carrying their message, “wake up, wake up, morning is here!” I emerge from a deep meditation feeling blessed, heart expanding, yearning, loving.

I open my eyes and look out across the bay, scanning to see them. It’s been so long and I miss their playful dance across the water. I hear myself impatiently calling, wake up, show yourself, I know you’re there. Then I hear laughter and am startled to discover that it’s me–laughing at me and at my outrageous demand that they show themselves right now! Who do I think I am? Ha!

Softening my gaze, gently, tenderly, I surrender. I know you are there and that’s enough, I whisper to the wind. Breathing, consciously letting go of my need, of my attachment to seeing them. Peace returns and I am, once more, humbled.

Time to leave, to refill my coffee cup, to start my work day. I pause, give thanks to the Sun rising every morning, to the Crow and the Mourning Dove for their loving presence, and to the Dolphin for simply being there. My heart is open, expanded, tears of joy trickle softly down my cheeks. I am so blessed, I say out loud to no one.

The wind hears my prayer and carries my message to Dolphin. I bend to pick up my cup and journal and turn just in time to witness her rising majestically out of the water. The sun sparkling, bouncing off her, casting diamonds in every direction. So many blessings.

Sacred Breath

Dolphins remind us of the sacredness of breath. Breath is manna, it is our life force, we do not exist without it. We can live without food or water for days but we cannot survive more than a few minutes without air, without breath.

Before submerging into the depths of the ocean, Dolphins breathe in deeply, deliberately. While traveling underwater, they hold their breath, releasing only once they surface. “As Dolphin comes above water again, it blows its breath out in a manner resembling the popping of a cork.” ~Jamie Sams & David Carson

We are now discovering the enormous value of conscious breathwork. This specific pattern of breathing in, holding and releasing (like the popping of a cork) liberates stuck emotional energy that has been stored in the body. Stuck emotional energy can be unhealthy on many levels.

Breathwork supports us by balancing our nervous system and emotional body. Releasing stored emotional energy creates inner spaciousness and becomes the foundation for healing and transformation.

Only here in this space are we able and fortified to embody our Divine nature.

Life on Life’s Terms

Wanting to see the Dolphins was a simple, harmless desire. My need created attachment and attachment to anything creates suffering. By letting go of the need to see them at that particular moment, I gave a signal to my Soul and to the universe that said, I trust life. I am empowered by accepting life on life’s terms.

Listen to the Dolphin. Trust in that life force. Breathe.