I think you make a great point about how, when you pray, your breathing naturally slows and your body relaxes. Praying probably does (in many cases) bring about some of the same effects of intentional breathing, but it is God and the prayer that are the focus, not the breathing technique.
Yes, some of the research suggests that prayer has very similar effects to meditation in terms of relaxation, physiology etc. But yeah, the point of focus makes all the difference.
Really great reading this, as I've been wondering about this recently. I have some lung issues, and I've started looking into recovering from lung problems/expanding lung capacity and many/most recommendations are about breathing practice. I am still wary of many breathing practices, especially when in their description it includes Buddhist/Hindu names and origins. I am doing some of them, but I'm trying to bring in God while doing them, calling on Him while doing the exercises.
In the notes discussions, someone else brought up the name of God (YHWH) being pronounced as breath: I heard that in a Frank Viola sermon and I incline with that. Last year when I had some broken ribs and every breath hurt, I did call upon Yahweh with pretty much every painful breath I took.
Also, in the New Testament Greek, the word for spirit is pneuma, which also means breath (and wind) and sometimes it's ambiguous and not clear at all how to translate it. And pneuma occurs 380 times in the NT.
thanks for sharing your experience. Sounds like you are doing the right thing in proceeding with caution and discernment. Praying for your complete healing in Jesus name. Amen.
Wondering about that ... I need some breathing exercises and know a vocal teacher. Thanks for your input. I do believe anytime you're using the name/s of God and Jesus while you are breathing, you are protecting yourself.
I think a vocal teacher is a great option as then they are coming at it from a physical perspective. I think it’s when breathing is coupled with something spiritual then it is risky.
Have you used a spirometer? Very good for lung exercise and your focus will be on the ball movement, not allowing room for other odd stuff/spirits like she talks about. About $20 on Amazon.
This is a great testimony and echoes some of my revelations and hard lessons from also getting into New Age, instead of meditation and Eastern religions I got into Ufology/aliens. I also had an experience with a demonic spirit masquerading as an angel of light “interdimensional entity”, or so I believed. Jesus Christ is the True Light (John 1:9) and every other way besides Him is false.
Interesting! Years ago I was quite fascinated by alien testimonies as they seemed true - different people’s stories corroborated the kinds of aliens they encountered. Then I realised aliens (aka demons) flee at the name of Jesus and my mind was blown!
So much going on here. Thanks for what you wrote. I've messaged Kate suggesting she print this as a pamphlet and pdf. It would help.
So much cr*p has crept into church buildings where "speakers" spew a message aimed at being digestible, uncontroversial and with minimal Biblical reliance. Oops, getting triggered 😂😂Nuff said 🎶J
What a beautiful scripture to meditate on at nighttime, thanks for sharing, I think I will try that myself! The natural awareness of our breathing is so different to focused and deliberate breathing of new age practises.
Thank you, Kate. I was also concerned when I saw the notes about spiritual breathing. I was saved out of the new age movement over 40 years ago and am quite cautious about things like spiritual breathing as a result.
I absolutely hear what you’re saying, but from my understanding of breath prayers they’re used to help return our focus back onto God. I breathe in and out Scripture when I am anxious, overwhelmed, stressed, etc. Often times when I’m in those intense moments, I struggle to find the words but when I breathe in peace and breathe out be still (Mark 4:39), I remind myself of God’s truth and that He is with me. It helps me reorient my thoughts onto good, praiseworthy things (Philippians 4:8). Turns my heart of worry to a heart of worship as I rest in His peace. Just like Jesus taught, it’s the state of our heart that matters. Our why and purpose in our actions ❤️ I appreciate your thoughts on it!
thanks for sharing your experience. I do think it’s different if you’re meditating on the word of God. I personally feel convicted to not use any kind of rhythmic breathing practise but if you are filling yourself with God’s word then it may be different. There is nuance to it.
I found that singing, especially singing worship and scripture is more effective than any focused breathing for me. It actually stopped a freight train of anxiety in the moment last time I did it. It just causes you to breathe regularly and focus on God without going into a “trance” state, or any risk of participating with demons. I’ve done some “Christian” breathing exercises in the past, but I agree with you here.
As Joshua 1:8 states, “Keep this book of the Law always on your lips, meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.” There’s such a huge (but subtle) difference when we meditate on God’s Word rather than to lose ourselves to an elevated state.
I used to do yoga. Including another kind called "Egyptian yoga"... I also tried breath work and even got into this "Chinese science" called face reading.
As for yoga, I thought it was general exercise until I someone at church mentioned it was fallen and i proved that he was right. I repented of all the yoga I had done.
As for face reading, I had even gotten a few books but as I read up on them I saw just how similar the practice was with psychic stuff (though I've never tried psychic anything). Later, Yah actually told me to stop and delete all the content I had on it. He didn't give me a reason but said my whole trust should be in Him, not in some "science"
As for breath work I didn't think much of it, until I noticed how Hollywood promotes it. In movies, shows etc. I decided there must be something sinister about it if Hollywood condones it. And repented. And stopped it altogether.
I find it so strange how many American Christians defend breath work which is already a sign that many of them are hooked and if they don't repent and abandon all that work, they shall surely be in danger of being anathema. Just my two cents. Thanks for this post. I hope the humble in heart repent and submit themselves to the Heavenly Father yet again. Be blessed dear sister for preaching the truth.
It’s so good to hear you listened to God on this subject. I’ve also not had reasons to stop doing something and at first I couldn’t understand what was wrong but gradually it’s been revealed to me over time. This post got quite a few responses from people who are for breathwork and I think you may be right that they are addicted.
Please see the Harper's article "Lost in Thought" from a couple of years back. It details the horrifying demise of a young woman who naively attended a Hindu Vipassana meditation retreat where she mentally deteriorated. The article is still available online.
Hello, what about Mark John Comer and his mindful breathing exercises. My church is recently covering his spiritual formation material and the subject on breathing came across as very New Age.
I have not heard of him, but just had a quick search on the website ‘Christian Answers For the New Age’ which is a really in-depth resource from ex. astrologer Marcia Montenegro. Someone coming to church to teach about breathing sounds super dodgy. https://www.christiananswersnewage.com/category/john-mark-comer
I love James 4:8 in this recount of your point. Instead of focusing on the practice of breathing, this healthy outcome, and many others, are results of a relationship with God. Reading our Bible, praying, pressing into worship, a relationship with God has healthy outcomes. It’s incredible how blurred lines can become sometimes and ideas can blend together. Especially regarding Health and Faith. I enjoyed reading this, thank you!
I just read Philippians 4:6-7 and read a short Bible study about the kind of peace God offers that surpasses all understanding. No amount of meditation or worldly accomplishment can attain this kind of peace! It was a beautiful way to start my morning. Reminding me there’s nothing that I can do, no challenge I need to master. “…by prayer and petition with thanksgivings, present your requests to God.”
Thank you for your words. I have a relation who is a Believer but is DEEPLY into Wim Hof breath work (heard of him)? Our friendship is consistently strained, and recently he even misquoted God to me. I accepted his quote as truth because I've known him for so long and known his heart for the Lord. A few days later, the Word itself corrected my thinking. Now maybe I know why there's discord.
That said, I'm disabled, and my Pulmonologist believes my diaphragm is getting weaker, so breathing exercises could help. I think I'll look to a vocal teacher for appropriate exercises.
Yes I’ve heard of Wim Hof. He has a very one world religion view of spirituality. I think breathing exercises are fine if needed for physical reasons and if there isn’t a spiritual element.
This is so awesome, Kate, because it's a rare person that can speak on these experiences. By the grace of God, you've escaped the New Age only to shed light on its darkness. Thank you for sharing this.
It's not the focusing on breathing that's the issue, as we all do that to a degree even lifting weights. (breathwork is important for fitness and oxygen, etc.) It's the meditation, adding a mind-compromising spiritual element to working out which is always going to be New Age/Demonic (even martial arts are new age, that's probably one of the reasons Joe Rogan is lost because he's obsessed with various martial arts).
I wouldn't do "Christian Yoga" either, as Yoga is not Christian. Simple.
Meditation and yoga, are all about putting us into an alternate state of mind (Satanist Aliester Crowley used Yoga, no surprise there) which isn't just a distraction (people are already completely distracted from God as it is) but also a great way to let more demons possess the participant; it's a meditative method of a form of demonic possession.
Thesr practices *also* have the issue of doing poses that CANNOT be separated from their original demonic origin. I'd also say [not to divide!] that women are also a bit more likely to gravitate to New Age stuff, especially since it's so pervasive and seems to be everywhere. Basically, working out is great, and staying relaxed while working out is great - but don't get distracted, altered, or spiritual, which is unfortunately what stuff like Yoga is all about! I stretch my butt off, but I don't let anyone tell me how to breathe, and especially how to think, and where my mind should be!
that is a very good point, about lifting weights, exercise etc. It’s the kind of focus, merging new ideas with breathing, and then putting a ‘Christian’ stamp on it that is dodgy.
I think you make a great point about how, when you pray, your breathing naturally slows and your body relaxes. Praying probably does (in many cases) bring about some of the same effects of intentional breathing, but it is God and the prayer that are the focus, not the breathing technique.
Yes, some of the research suggests that prayer has very similar effects to meditation in terms of relaxation, physiology etc. But yeah, the point of focus makes all the difference.
Really great reading this, as I've been wondering about this recently. I have some lung issues, and I've started looking into recovering from lung problems/expanding lung capacity and many/most recommendations are about breathing practice. I am still wary of many breathing practices, especially when in their description it includes Buddhist/Hindu names and origins. I am doing some of them, but I'm trying to bring in God while doing them, calling on Him while doing the exercises.
In the notes discussions, someone else brought up the name of God (YHWH) being pronounced as breath: I heard that in a Frank Viola sermon and I incline with that. Last year when I had some broken ribs and every breath hurt, I did call upon Yahweh with pretty much every painful breath I took.
Also, in the New Testament Greek, the word for spirit is pneuma, which also means breath (and wind) and sometimes it's ambiguous and not clear at all how to translate it. And pneuma occurs 380 times in the NT.
thanks for sharing your experience. Sounds like you are doing the right thing in proceeding with caution and discernment. Praying for your complete healing in Jesus name. Amen.
Wondering about that ... I need some breathing exercises and know a vocal teacher. Thanks for your input. I do believe anytime you're using the name/s of God and Jesus while you are breathing, you are protecting yourself.
I think a vocal teacher is a great option as then they are coming at it from a physical perspective. I think it’s when breathing is coupled with something spiritual then it is risky.
Have you used a spirometer? Very good for lung exercise and your focus will be on the ball movement, not allowing room for other odd stuff/spirits like she talks about. About $20 on Amazon.
This is a great testimony and echoes some of my revelations and hard lessons from also getting into New Age, instead of meditation and Eastern religions I got into Ufology/aliens. I also had an experience with a demonic spirit masquerading as an angel of light “interdimensional entity”, or so I believed. Jesus Christ is the True Light (John 1:9) and every other way besides Him is false.
Interesting! Years ago I was quite fascinated by alien testimonies as they seemed true - different people’s stories corroborated the kinds of aliens they encountered. Then I realised aliens (aka demons) flee at the name of Jesus and my mind was blown!
Wow, Ryan
So much going on here. Thanks for what you wrote. I've messaged Kate suggesting she print this as a pamphlet and pdf. It would help.
So much cr*p has crept into church buildings where "speakers" spew a message aimed at being digestible, uncontroversial and with minimal Biblical reliance. Oops, getting triggered 😂😂Nuff said 🎶J
When I meditate on scripture, I’m also aware of my breathing.
My favourite night scripture is: When I lie down, I sleep. I wake, by the Lord’s sustenance.
What a beautiful scripture to meditate on at nighttime, thanks for sharing, I think I will try that myself! The natural awareness of our breathing is so different to focused and deliberate breathing of new age practises.
Thank you, Kate. I was also concerned when I saw the notes about spiritual breathing. I was saved out of the new age movement over 40 years ago and am quite cautious about things like spiritual breathing as a result.
same here, and I have found all the benefits from prayer and just having a relationship with God.
I absolutely hear what you’re saying, but from my understanding of breath prayers they’re used to help return our focus back onto God. I breathe in and out Scripture when I am anxious, overwhelmed, stressed, etc. Often times when I’m in those intense moments, I struggle to find the words but when I breathe in peace and breathe out be still (Mark 4:39), I remind myself of God’s truth and that He is with me. It helps me reorient my thoughts onto good, praiseworthy things (Philippians 4:8). Turns my heart of worry to a heart of worship as I rest in His peace. Just like Jesus taught, it’s the state of our heart that matters. Our why and purpose in our actions ❤️ I appreciate your thoughts on it!
thanks for sharing your experience. I do think it’s different if you’re meditating on the word of God. I personally feel convicted to not use any kind of rhythmic breathing practise but if you are filling yourself with God’s word then it may be different. There is nuance to it.
I found that singing, especially singing worship and scripture is more effective than any focused breathing for me. It actually stopped a freight train of anxiety in the moment last time I did it. It just causes you to breathe regularly and focus on God without going into a “trance” state, or any risk of participating with demons. I’ve done some “Christian” breathing exercises in the past, but I agree with you here.
that is wonderful to hear, thank you for sharing! Makes sense as we are created by God to sing, but not to do focused breathing practises.
As Joshua 1:8 states, “Keep this book of the Law always on your lips, meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.” There’s such a huge (but subtle) difference when we meditate on God’s Word rather than to lose ourselves to an elevated state.
Yes exactly, it’s so different to focusing on ourselves and our breath.
I used to do yoga. Including another kind called "Egyptian yoga"... I also tried breath work and even got into this "Chinese science" called face reading.
As for yoga, I thought it was general exercise until I someone at church mentioned it was fallen and i proved that he was right. I repented of all the yoga I had done.
As for face reading, I had even gotten a few books but as I read up on them I saw just how similar the practice was with psychic stuff (though I've never tried psychic anything). Later, Yah actually told me to stop and delete all the content I had on it. He didn't give me a reason but said my whole trust should be in Him, not in some "science"
As for breath work I didn't think much of it, until I noticed how Hollywood promotes it. In movies, shows etc. I decided there must be something sinister about it if Hollywood condones it. And repented. And stopped it altogether.
I find it so strange how many American Christians defend breath work which is already a sign that many of them are hooked and if they don't repent and abandon all that work, they shall surely be in danger of being anathema. Just my two cents. Thanks for this post. I hope the humble in heart repent and submit themselves to the Heavenly Father yet again. Be blessed dear sister for preaching the truth.
It’s so good to hear you listened to God on this subject. I’ve also not had reasons to stop doing something and at first I couldn’t understand what was wrong but gradually it’s been revealed to me over time. This post got quite a few responses from people who are for breathwork and I think you may be right that they are addicted.
Please see the Harper's article "Lost in Thought" from a couple of years back. It details the horrifying demise of a young woman who naively attended a Hindu Vipassana meditation retreat where she mentally deteriorated. The article is still available online.
thanks I will check it out. I once considered going to a Vipassana meditation retreat, but actually got put off by horror stories online, thankfully!
thanks so much for this, I never knew there was an actual charity to deal with harm caused by meditation. Will link to in my articles.
Hello, what about Mark John Comer and his mindful breathing exercises. My church is recently covering his spiritual formation material and the subject on breathing came across as very New Age.
I have not heard of him, but just had a quick search on the website ‘Christian Answers For the New Age’ which is a really in-depth resource from ex. astrologer Marcia Montenegro. Someone coming to church to teach about breathing sounds super dodgy. https://www.christiananswersnewage.com/category/john-mark-comer
Find a new church.
I love James 4:8 in this recount of your point. Instead of focusing on the practice of breathing, this healthy outcome, and many others, are results of a relationship with God. Reading our Bible, praying, pressing into worship, a relationship with God has healthy outcomes. It’s incredible how blurred lines can become sometimes and ideas can blend together. Especially regarding Health and Faith. I enjoyed reading this, thank you!
you are welcome! That’s one of my favourite verses. So true. There are so many ways we can draw near to God. Focused breath not being one of them!
I just read Philippians 4:6-7 and read a short Bible study about the kind of peace God offers that surpasses all understanding. No amount of meditation or worldly accomplishment can attain this kind of peace! It was a beautiful way to start my morning. Reminding me there’s nothing that I can do, no challenge I need to master. “…by prayer and petition with thanksgivings, present your requests to God.”
I just read Philippians too as my church is starting a Bible study on it next week! Yes it’s a good point as the peace God gives is so different.
Thank you for your words. I have a relation who is a Believer but is DEEPLY into Wim Hof breath work (heard of him)? Our friendship is consistently strained, and recently he even misquoted God to me. I accepted his quote as truth because I've known him for so long and known his heart for the Lord. A few days later, the Word itself corrected my thinking. Now maybe I know why there's discord.
That said, I'm disabled, and my Pulmonologist believes my diaphragm is getting weaker, so breathing exercises could help. I think I'll look to a vocal teacher for appropriate exercises.
Yes I’ve heard of Wim Hof. He has a very one world religion view of spirituality. I think breathing exercises are fine if needed for physical reasons and if there isn’t a spiritual element.
This is so awesome, Kate, because it's a rare person that can speak on these experiences. By the grace of God, you've escaped the New Age only to shed light on its darkness. Thank you for sharing this.
It's not the focusing on breathing that's the issue, as we all do that to a degree even lifting weights. (breathwork is important for fitness and oxygen, etc.) It's the meditation, adding a mind-compromising spiritual element to working out which is always going to be New Age/Demonic (even martial arts are new age, that's probably one of the reasons Joe Rogan is lost because he's obsessed with various martial arts).
I wouldn't do "Christian Yoga" either, as Yoga is not Christian. Simple.
Meditation and yoga, are all about putting us into an alternate state of mind (Satanist Aliester Crowley used Yoga, no surprise there) which isn't just a distraction (people are already completely distracted from God as it is) but also a great way to let more demons possess the participant; it's a meditative method of a form of demonic possession.
Thesr practices *also* have the issue of doing poses that CANNOT be separated from their original demonic origin. I'd also say [not to divide!] that women are also a bit more likely to gravitate to New Age stuff, especially since it's so pervasive and seems to be everywhere. Basically, working out is great, and staying relaxed while working out is great - but don't get distracted, altered, or spiritual, which is unfortunately what stuff like Yoga is all about! I stretch my butt off, but I don't let anyone tell me how to breathe, and especially how to think, and where my mind should be!
that is a very good point, about lifting weights, exercise etc. It’s the kind of focus, merging new ideas with breathing, and then putting a ‘Christian’ stamp on it that is dodgy.
Pdf might be the answer, Kate ☺️J🎶
Could be, I’ll give it some thought, thank you!