Every language has a root word that describes the human process of converting oxygen into carbon dioxide. In English, that root word is spir. Spir, from the Latin, means “breath” or “breathe.”
Many words that describe exchanges in energy are conjugations of spir. By identifying the ways in which breath is interwoven into language, one can see how central the breath is to our understanding of what it means to BE. Let’s explore some of these words:
Respiration: from the Latin respirare, which means “breathe out.” Respiration is the process by which the oxygen we inhaled to feed our cells and energize our bodies, is exhaled into carbon dioxide.
In order for humans to survive on earth, oxygen must be available in the air and carbon dioxide must be removed in the appropriate balance. As humans inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, trees and plants inhale carbon dioxide and exhale oxygen. This creates a symbiotic relationship between humans and trees.
Inspiration: from the Latin, inspirare, which means “breathe in.” It is impossible to hold one's breath to death. When we inspire, we engage in the first step of the respiratory cycle. Inspiration is required to continue to be. We have no choice in the matter.
Inspiration is often discussed in the context of a good feeling that stimulates us to want to create. People will discuss becoming frustrated by a lack of inspiration. However, from a practical standpoint, inspiration is simple, physical, and observable. In other words, as long as we are BEing (breathing with gratitude), we are inspired and creating. Everything we do is a form of creation, even if that which we create is carbon dioxide. The trees are grateful.
Ceasing inhalation (a lack of inspiration) results in the seizing of the pulse, or asphyxiation. Yawning is designed to pre-empt asphyxiation by forcing the body to provide adequate oxygen to the brain. When something natural is beyond control, like a yawn, it is often considered "supernatural." Inspiration outside of conscious effort is regularly attributed to supernatural forces.
Aspiration: from the Latin aspirare, which means “breathe towards.” The prefix a- means “towards” and indicates motion or change. Inspiration arises in tandem with aspiration (skill/increase in proficiency towards something). As the processes of awareness unfold spontaneously, skill becomes more intentional and refined. These things can happen instantly at once, unfold over many lifetimes and generations, or become stagnant at any point.
One may live their entire life without aspirations, but this can lead to stagnant feelings. Some fear that failure would lessen their value on the planet, but when breathing with gratitude, one is less focused on how they look to themselves or the planet and are simply thankful for the opportunity to be. When in doubt, the body will naturally perspire, or "breathe through" it. Keep breathing and you will emerge technically alive.
Conspiracy: from the Latin “conspirare” which means “breathe together.” The prefix con-, means “together” or “with.” The word conspiracy has a sinister connotation and implies that evil is afoot. This connotation is no accident. When two or more come to enough of an agreement to breathe together, not only will something be created (as is always the case when breathing/being), but that which manifests will be exponentially larger than the sum of the parts of each conspirator. The more conspirators involved in the unified breath work, the more magnificent the creation.
People project a judgment of "evil" onto things they don't understand. This is a consequence of the Fear of the Unknown. "Darkness” is often referenced in literature to that which is “bad” because the content of darkness is unknown to the observer. Co-conspirators are enlightened to the agreement among them, and so, there is no unknown and, therefore, no fear of an unknown. Light, enlightenment, knowledge, or anything that compels the unknown to be known without the permission or inclusion of a superordinate outsider is considered “evil” to those who have a deep, fundamental fear of the unknown.
Breath requires a breather and the breather requires breath. There is no separation between breath and breather. There is no difference between the BEyer and that which BE. The BEyer BE. If there is evil afoot, it is because someone has chosen that path. Still, the one who breaths deeply and with gratitude gets to reap the benefits of BEing.
Spirit: the fundamental essence of us. That from which we be. Our life force. That which establishes our physical body as alive. The word spirit literally means “breathe.”
Whether engaging in respiration, inspiration, aspiration, a conspiracy, or the spirit, breath is the root. As our consciousness and gratitude increases, the deeper and more anchoring becomes our breath. When others breathe with us in consciousness and gratitude, WE BE.
©Dr. Cho Dyubeh, 2020. BEist, Human Behavioralist, and Contributor to Kahnma.com.