By Sage ViGo
Table of Contents
Introduction
What does it truly mean to be well? Wellness is often understood in terms of physical health, mental balance, or financial stability. However, from the perspective of Yoga, wellness is a profound alignment with the natural manifestation of existence. In this blog, we will explore wellness through the lens of Prana (life energy) and Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender to the totality, the flow of existence)—key concepts found in the Patanjali Yoga Sutras and the Upanishads.
One of the fundamental practices that illuminates this understanding is the art and science of Pranayama. As one of the eight limbs of Yoga, Pranayama offers an opportunity to tap into the omnipresent life energy, connecting the physical and metaphysical aspects of our being. It facilitates the harmonious functioning of the Pancha Kosha, the five layers of existence: body, energy, mind, wisdom, and soul. When practiced authentically, in alignment with the totality (Ishvara Pranidhana), a natural transformation begins to unfold.
Before diving deeper into Pranayama, let us first explore the deeper meaning of wellness and its connection to Ishvara Pranidhana.
What is Wellness?
Wellness is often perceived as merely the absence of illness, but in reality, it is a dynamic and multi-dimensional state. It encompasses physical health, mental clarity, emotional balance, social harmony, and even financial stability. However, true wellness is not confined to these external factors alone—it arises from an inner alignment with the universal process of life itself.
To experience true wellness, we must recognize the interconnected nature of existence. Just as a tree flourishes when its roots are well-nourished, an individual thrives when in harmony with the greater flow of life. If any aspect of our being—body, mind, or breath—is disconnected from this natural process, disharmony arises, manifesting as illness or suffering.
Thus, wellness is the alignment with the unfolding of existence. This alignment is the essence of Ishvara Pranidhana, as explained in the Patanjali Yoga Sutras.
Understanding Ishvara Pranidhana
In the second chapter of the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, known as Sadhana Pada (the chapter of practice), Sage Patanjali introduces Kriya Yoga through the following verse:
This means that Kriya Yoga (the Yoga of action) consists of:
- Tapah – Continuous dedication and presence
- Svadhyaya – Self reflection
- Ishvara Pranidhana – Surrender to the totality of creation
Ishvara Pranidhana is the practice of letting go of personal ego and allowing life to unfold as it naturally does. It is not passive resignation but an active participation in the happening of existence with full awareness and presence.
When we attempt to control life through the ego—constantly identifying with “I, I, I”—we create resistance against the natural order, leading to separation and suffering. However, when we surrender to Ishvara (the creative intelligence of existence), we experience ease, flow, and well-being. This is the path of Yoga, the path of union.
Wellness as an Expression of Creation
Creation itself is never unwell. The universe is constantly expanding, evolving, and manifesting in harmony. If we observe nature, we see that every element follows its intrinsic rhythm without resistance. A river does not resist its flow; a tree does not struggle to grow.
Likewise, our well-being depends on whether we allow life to manifest naturally or if we block it through ego-driven resistance. The more we cling to personal control, the more we move away from wellness. The moment we align with the intelligence of creation, we enter a state of effortless harmony.
Pranayama: The Expansion of Self-Expression
Pranayama is not merely the act of inhaling and exhaling; it is a state in which self-expression finds more and more space to unfold naturally. It is a process of expansion—an inner unfolding rather than a mechanical control of breath.
When self-expression is restricted and the natural flow of life within is suppressed, there is an inherent struggle to survive. Breath, in its ordinary state, is often a result of this struggle. Consider how, when you are stressed, exhausted, ill, or facing limitations, your breathing intensifies. The greater the struggle, the more rapid and shallow the breath becomes.
This constant battle for existence drives the breath. The more intense the effort, the more restricted the energy flow, and the more breath is needed. However, beyond these limitations lies expansion—when restrictions dissolve, Prana finds its natural expression.
Pranayama is not about forcefully controlling the breath but about creating space for the natural expansion of Prana. When this expansion happens, self-expression flows unhindered, leading to a deep harmony between individual Prana and the Prana of greater existence.
Thus, Pranayama is ultimately about union—a merging of individual energy with the vast intelligence of creation. When the breath is no longer driven by survival but by a deeper rhythm of life itself, one experiences true wellness and harmony with existence.
How Pranayama Aligns Us with Wellness
The art and science of Pranayama (Prana = life energy, the all-pervading expressive dimension of creation, and Yama = being with, connecting) offers a profound opportunity to unite with the omnipresent life energy. Through this practice, we can transcend the limitations of a mind- or ego-driven life and open ourselves to a deeper connection with Wisdom, Soul, and the True Self—leading to a life-centered existence rather than a mind-centered one. This shift brings about the highest form of wellness.
Through Pranayama, you can:
- Rejuvenate your body, breath, mind, life wisdom, and soul for holistic well-being.
- Tap into the omnipresent life energy, increasing vitality and vibrancy.
- Evolve from a mind-driven existence to an existential life, unlocking your full potential.
- Find balance and reconnect at any moment, bringing harmony to life.
When practiced with an understanding of Ishvara Pranidhana, Pranayama transcends being merely a breathing technique—it becomes a practice of surrendering to life itself. By aligning with Prana, we gradually learn to trust the intelligence of existence rather than resist it. In this surrender, true wellness naturally unfolds.
Conclusion: The Path of Wisdom is the Path of Wellness
True wellness is not something to be attained externally; it is a natural state that arises when we align with the intelligence of creation. Ishvara Pranidhana teaches us to step aside from the ego and allow life to manifest freely.
Illness stems from resistance; wellness arises from surrender.
By cultivating wisdom, practicing Pranayama, and embracing Ishvara Pranidhana, we align ourselves with the eternal flow of existence, where wellness is not an achievement but a natural state of being.
Let life manifest through us, effortlessly and beautifully.
