For me, Pranayama is the most accessible of the Eight Limbs. I’m no master, but so much of what I’ve pursued in my life — acting, singing, fitness … yoga, of course — comes back to the breath.
Breath is connection. It brings the outside world, quite literally, in. We consume it in much more intimate way that we do food. Think about it: food is chewed, swallowed and goes through a lengthy digestive process.
Air is filtered a bit by the nasal passages but enters the lungs pretty much as-is and is immediately put to work fueling the blood.
Mind Science
We know that breath control stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, firing our “rest and digest” response (vs. “fight or flight”). But yoga is about binding the mind to the body … and one of the best tools to do that is Pranayama. Specifically, concentrated breathing exercises.
Contemplation
Some images that I think might spur some reflection around Pranayama. This is one of the harder things (for me) to find images about because, honestly, I think it’s so fully experiential.
Meditation.
In our meditation practice, we work with three of my favorite Pranayama, all of which are appropriate for the summer months because they’re considered cooling breaths.
Nadi Shodhana or Alternate Nostril Breathing balances masculine and feminine energies and also is great for clearing sinus passages.
Sitali — Cooling Breath — is preformed by inhaling through a curled tongue and exhaling in whatever manner feels comfortable. If you can’t curl your tongue, that’s OK. You can just place your tongue against the upper lip, creating a natural “tube” through which to take the inhales.
Sama Vriti, Equal Breathing, is maybe my favorite because it’s so easy to do at any time and in any place. The perfect way to drop in even when you find yourself in a busy meeting or difficult conversation. Although it may feel like you’re “dropping out,” you’re actually able to listen better because your mind is more concentrated.
Practice
Incorporating Lion’s Breath (Simhasana) and cultivating Ujjayi (Victorious) Pranayama in our vinyasa practice helps provide anchor and mental calmness, especially when things seem a little challenging. I also like Simhasana because it feels a little silly and can release some ego noise.
Nothing that appears in this blog or on this website is intended to treat or diagnose any disorder, physical or otherwise. Always consult a physician before beginning any exercise program.