Physical well being. Clarity of mind. Health and fulfilment. Lightness of heart. Weight loss. Purpose, intention and direction. Are you interested? Do you want this? Well then, it is time to practise breathing, or Pranayama – a sanskrit word and practice from the Yoga tradition which means «mastery of the life force». Breathing is one of the most important and intricate activities we engage in, and affects all aspects of our being. Conscious life starts with our first breath and ends with our last breath. For most of us breathing is an unconscious process; a function taken for granted, neglected and uncultivated.
The way we breathe is determined by our feelings, beliefs and life experiences. Breathing is patterned and habitual. We become locked into emotional/thought patterns as a result of our unconscious breathing habits. They imprison us in the past even though our present may have changed. The practice of conscious breathing reboots our system by changing our breathing patterns. Being conscious about our breathing and practicing pranayama frees us from unconscious patterns and habits. The key is regular practice. Change takes time. The gift is the gradual transformation of inefficient and unconscious breathing patterns to energized, calm and centred breathing patterns.
Tips for practising breathing:
1. Practice with an experienced teacher to learn different techniques
2. Practice everyday for 5 -15 minutes at the same time and in the same place
3. Be patient, the overall results are cumulative – although you should feel calm and centred after every practise
4. Simple breathing techniques that emphasize long deep breaths, where the exhalation is longer than the inhalation, are very effective
5. Integrate conscious breathing into your everyday life as a way to better manage stress, emotions, work, difficulties and the uncontrollable
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The BENEFITS of a regular practice:
Physical level
Improved digestion and elimination (breathing massages the organs) contributing to improved quality of life
Improved circulation of fluids through the tissues promoting an increase in nutrition to the cells, more efficient waste removal and better immune defence
Complete emptying of the lungs; tissues of the lower lungs more nourished and become more flexible
Physiological level
Triggers the relaxation response and promotes better balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Stress, which triggers the sympathetic nervous system, is a major factor of illness and disease and, has become an habituated response to our modern way of life
Regular practice consciously activates the parasympathetic system and reprograms the way we react to stress
Rests and quiets the mind
Psycho-emotional level
Consciously regulates breath thereby transforming unconscious breathing patterns and the unconscious emotional patterns that underpin them
Gives the confidence to self-regulate in other areas of life
Breathing practice requires focus and therefore improves concentration
Increases calm, aliveness and energy levels
Generates awareness of the more subtle layers of interconnection between our choices and their effects
Spiritual level
1. Focuses and channels creative power
2. Cultivates lightness of being, joy and resilience
Radiant health begins with conscious breathing. Breathing practice does not require any special equipment other than your conscious attention. The benefits are wonderful and the practice is free. Practice, practice, practice. Breathe in, breathe out and consciously become part of the interconnected rhythms of life, of wellness and personal freedom.
This article was inspired by Patton Sarley from his article Why do Pranayama? Experiments in Yogic breathing www.naturalyoga.com
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