Who am I beyond my physical body?

At some point inevitably arises the pondering question: “Who am I truly, at the core?”. The common response often points to external facets: “My spouse, my kids, my home, my car, my career…”. Yet, what truly encapsulates my essence? What authentically shapes my being? What are my own ideas and what are those of others? Where do I want to conform to a certain social image and where does it really come from deep within me?

Answers to those questions can be found in You if your Koshas are balanced.

What are Koshas and how to balance them?
In the ancient spiritual teachings of Yoga philosophy, the concept of Koshas holds profound significance. The term “Kosha” translates to “sheath” or “layer,” referring to the five layers that compose the human being. These koshas include Annamaya kosha (physical layer), Pranamaya kosha (energy layer), Manomaya kosha (mental layer), Vijnanamaya kosha (wisdom layer), and Ananadamaya kosha (bliss layer). They are all nested within each other and enclose your true self - the Atman. Your physical body composes the outermost layer, while the innermost layer contains your bliss body, or soul. 

The practice of yoga, meditation, breathwork, Reiki incorporates the concept of koshas, aiming to align the mind and body with a sense of harmony and promote overall wellbeing, bringing a balance and harmony to all the koshas. 

Let us delve deeper into the different layers.

• Annamaya Kosha (Physical layer): It is the outermost sheath and relates to the physical body, nourished by the food we consume. It's simple to identify and associate since it can be felt, seen and touched. Taking care of this sheath is essential for a balanced and healthy life.
  How to balance? A healthy diet, regular exercise, yoga (Vinyasa, Hatha, Aerial, Yin), and physical self-care contribute to the balance of this layer.

• Pranamaya Kosha (Energy layer): It represents the life force or vital energy (prana) that flows through the body and sustains life. It includes the breath and the energy channels (nadis). A more subtle experience than the physical layer, yet it is possible to experience and feel this layer. Focusing on the breath helps enhance the prana and overall energy in the body.
  How to balance? Practices like breathwork, which focus on regulating and balancing the breath, help in nurturing and harmonising this energy sheath. When prana flows freely, it promotes overall vitality, mental clarity, and emotional balance.

• Manomaya Kosha (Mental layer): it is home to mental health and emotions. It encompasses our cognitive and emotional experiences, including desires, fears, and anxieties. As these emotions simmer beneath the surface, they eventually erupt when we reach breaking point or are triggered by external situations and influences.
  How to balance? Mental health practices, such as meditation, yoga Nidra help maintain the balance of this sheath. A balanced mind leads to emotional stability and clear thinking.

• Vijnanamaya Kosha (Wisdom layer): it represents the realm of higher intellect and wisdom including discernment, intuition, and the ability to understand and analyse experiences. This kosha allows you to access your inner wisdom and make decisions aligned with your higher self.
  How to balance? Intellectual and spiritual practices, such as self-inquiry, contemplation, meditation and visualisation nourish this kosha. It leads to wisdom, ethical living, and a deeper understanding of life.

• Anandamaya Kosha (Bliss layer): the innermost sheath, associated with bliss and spiritual fulfilment, which represents a state of joy and deep peace that transcends the physical and mental realms. It brings a sense of unity, inner peace, and unconditional love.
  How to balance? Spiritual practices (i.e. meditation, yoga, particularly yoga nidra, Reiki) and a connection to one's higher purpose contribute to the balance of this sheath.

The Koshas are not separate entities. They are interconnected and interdependent. An imbalance in one layer affects the others. For instance, unresolved emotional issues may manifest as physical pain; a disturbance in the mental sheath (Manomaya) manifests stress or anxiety, impacting the physical layer (Annamaya) and energy level (Pranamaya).

Balancing the koshas leads to harmony within yourself and with the world around you. It helps you find answers to your questions within you and unfold your full potential for fulfilling your dreams.