amanda tripp
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • VIRTUAL YOGA STUDIO
  • Class Schedule
  • Workshops/Trainings Schedule
  • YOGA TUNE UP® CERTIFICATION
  • THE ROLL MODEL METHOD® TRAINING
  • YTU BREATH & BLISS IMMERSION

PRANAYAMA: EXPAND YOUR LIFE FORCE ENERGY

10/6/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
'Prana' is often defined as 'life force energy'. It exists in all living things as the power of life itself. The ancient yogis surmised that breath is the physical correlate to prana. Your breath literally enlivens your body - and after you take your last breath, your life-force energy (prana) leaves you.

A pranayama is a breathing practice designed to expand your life force energy. In later forms of yoga, pranayama is practiced by imposing structures and patterns on the breath, but in Classical yoga, pranayama is a very simple breath awareness practice, as follows:

1) Get into an easy, comfortable position (asana). Relax your effort.
2) Notice, when you are relaxed, that the flow of inhalation and exhalation is suspended
3) Observe the movement patterns of your breath (inhalation, exhalation and pause)
4) Also observe the length and number of breaths and where in your body you sense your breath.

This type of pranayama is a very simple tool for quieting the mind. According to Patanjalai, when the breath moves, thoughts move; when your breath is still; your mind is still. The pauses between your breaths form an uninhabitable environment for mental disturbance. And THIS, good people, is one of ancient YOGA’S GREATEST DISCOVERIES - that thoughts and breath influence one another. When we are upset our breath is quick and shallow. When we are calm our breath is slow and deep. Just as our mental states affect the way we breathe, we can use our breath to affect our mental states.

There is no need to 'restrain' or wrestle with your breath. Your mind can become calm simply by allowing your attention to be absorbed in the task of noticing your breath in stillness and in motion. Here are some ways to engage with your breath on and off your mat.

Intention: "I am a student of my breath"

Pranayama: Patanajali style breath observation (see video for instruction)

Off the Mat: throughout the day, pause and observe how your breath responds to different mental states...when you are relaxed, upset, etc.
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    mindbalm is a blog filled with ideas that soothe and stimulate. I delve into the rich traditions of yoga philosophy and the latest insights from movement science to bring you content that nurtures your soul and challenges your mind. Whether you're seeking inner peace or looking to expand your understanding of the body-mind connection, mindbalm offers thoughtful articles, practical tips, and inspiring reflections to help you on your journey. 

    Archives

    March 2025
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    July 2024
    May 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    September 2023
    July 2023
    May 2023
    March 2023
    January 2023
    November 2022
    October 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    May 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    July 2021
    May 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • VIRTUAL YOGA STUDIO
  • Class Schedule
  • Workshops/Trainings Schedule
  • YOGA TUNE UP® CERTIFICATION
  • THE ROLL MODEL METHOD® TRAINING
  • YTU BREATH & BLISS IMMERSION