New Start–Air

When it comes to the essentials for maintaining or regaining health, pure air doesn’t always receive the place of prominence and prestige that it should. As we mentioned in our very first article in this NEW START series, “we can survive weeks without food, days without water, but only minutes without air.”

This importance seen in our physical design, can also be seen in the design of our physical environment. Our planet has more water resources for drinking than land resources for growing food, but air is abundant around the entire globe.

So important is the air we breathe above the essential but voluntary actions of eating and drinking which are under our power, that God designed our breathing as an involuntary action of the body over which we have very limited control.

This physical truth is a reflection of a spiritual reality. Christ spoke of Himself as our food and drink when He said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eats my flesh, and drinks my blood, hath eternal life… For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.” (John 6:53-55).

But of the Holy Spirit Christ said, “He breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” (John 20:22). So Christ referred to Himself as our food and drink, but the Holy Spirit as breath. Yet in another place Christ warns us which of these is most important not to violate, “And whosoever speaks a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaks against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him.” (Matthew 12:32).

Food, drink, and breathing are all essential to life, but air is the thing that if we are deprived proves fatal fastest. In the recovery of health pure air will prove even more beneficial than proper nutrition.

Aside from being essential to the function of all cells, pure air has a positive impact upon both the physical and mental faculties. Breathing pure air lends to cleaner lungs, decreased asthma and allergies symptoms, improved skin appearance, it helps digestion, and reduces chances of lung, heart, and arterial diseases. Beyond that pure air is a psychological and emotional stabilizer, stimulates a better mood, and normalizes sleep patterns.

Correct breathing has a direct impact on one’s endurance to exercise for extended periods. Proper form during exercise, and correct posture in sitting and standing allows the lungs freedom to work at their full capacity.

Incorrect posture that keeps the lungs cramped and compressed make deep breathing impossible, and over time diminishes the lungs capacity to expand. Shallow breathing becomes a habit. As a result the system has insufficient amounts of oxygen to keep the body invigorated and energetic, so we become sluggish and lethargic.

So stop slouching and sit up straight, stand upright with your shoulders spread and your head lifted, take a deep breath, and make a NEW START!