Pranayama – Breath Control

Speaking of Pranayama – Breath Control……

Here is a link to a great article from Harvard Health Publications – Harvard Medical School

http://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/relaxation-techniques-breath-control-helps-quell-errant-stress-response

Although we always emphasize the breath in our yoga classes, the next few weeks we will be practicing some Pranayama techniques. I like to practice breath control when I’m sitting at my desk at work or driving in traffic.  I especially like to practice Pranayama while I’m taking a walk.   It helps to ground me and keep me mindful or focused in the present moment.

In the Metro Detroit area? Please feel free to come and practice some Pranayama with us.  Our yoga classes are designed for all levels.  Classes are kept small so everyone feels comfortable and gets individual attention.  Or book us for a corporate event! We will bring Yoga, Meditation, and Pranayama to you. We can design a class that meets the needs of your staff or event. 

Namaste,

 Betsy

Noticing the Breath - Pranayama

Pranayama – Prana (life force) Yama (control)

“When the Breath wanders, the mind is unsteady, but when the Breath is still so is the mind still.” - Hatha Yoga Pradipika

How often do we really think about our breath? It is so automatic; we really don’t notice it until maybe we are out of breath from climbing stairs or doing some form of physical activity. The average person takes 14 to 20 breaths per minute. Most people breathe shallowly, through their mouth and do not use the diaphragm, taking in small amounts of oxygen and only using the top of their lungs. This can result in feeling tired and having less energy.

When we learn to breathe mindfully, paying attention to our breath, we can lower stress and anxiety, increase energy and metabolism, and improve our overall health. This is what yoga breathing techniques, pranayama, are designed to do.

According to Sheila Patel, M.D. in her article Breathing for Life: The Mind-Body Health Benefits of Pranayama, simple yogic breathing techniques have specific effects on the mind-body physiology. For example, if you are feeling stressed or anxious, Alternate Nostril Breathing can help or if you are feeling angry or frustrated trying Ocean’s Breath might be just what your body and mind need to calm you down. You can learn more about Pranayama and some of the different breathing techniques in Dr. Patel’s article at http://www.chopra.com/ccl/breathing-for-life-the-mind-body-healing-benefits-of-pranayama.

Practicing pranayama daily can train yourself to breathe more slowly and more deeply. Setting aside five minutes in the morning is a perfect way to start your day. Your body and mind will thank you!

Namaste,

Betsy

What is Prana?

What exactly is prana?

Prana is sanskrit for “vital life force.” You see, we all have this energy inside us and surrounding us that can be felt with a little practice and patience.  Do you ever feel someone's presence near you or beside you without actually touching or seeing that person?  This is their energy force, it permeates from all of us.  Some of us are more receptive to noticing it than others, but it is in all living beings.

Anna Coventry gives a great explanation of how prana or "vital life force" works within us, "Prana rides on the breath, so when we breathe in, we take in prana. When we expand the breath and improve the quality of it, we are expanding and improving the quality of this vital life force within and around us. This is exactly what yoga breathing techniques, or pranayama, are designed to do.
An important aspect of the pranic body are the chakras, or energy centres. In yoga, we focus on the seven major chakras that exist along the line of the spine, each one connected to specific glands and organs of the physical body, as well as areas of our mind that influence our personality.
It is believed by many that health and wellbeing comes when there is a balanced energy flow through each of the seven major chakras.
On the flipside, when prana is prevented from flowing naturally, either becoming blocked or overactive at a certain point, it can create disharmony on both a physical and emotional level."

You can find Anne's full article here: http://www.doyouyoga.com/what-is-prana/.

By understanding our prana and blockages in our energy we can determine ways to unblock and release this energy to return to a balanced state.  Yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, and reiki are just a few ways to help balance your prana.  Find time to give back to yourself by practicing at home or find a studio or practitioner near you, because 1) you deserve it and 2)you are worth it!!! Trust me!!!

Wishing you peace, love, and prana!

Namaste,

Jesse

Finding Peace and Acceptance Through Yoga

I have always lived my life with low self esteem, never really feeling like I fit in our belonged in one special group.  Lately, I have begun to understand life a little more, which I believe is from yoga.  Yoga has made me slow down, breathe, and take notice of my mind and body.  And while practicing yoga, it came to me, none of us belong completely to one thing. We are such complex creatures, and all have our own battles we face daily.  It is by understanding this concept that will lead us to higher self-awareness and acceptance.  To understand that I am not just this one thing, I am so complex and so is everyone else.   We all could use yoga and meditation to help notice, understand, accept and find peace throughout our lives.   

Whether you practice at home or at a studio, next time you practice, start to focus on the way you feel in the present moment.  Find yourself noticing any stresses, sadness, anger, etc. Make it your intention to not feel that way by the end of your practice.  With each inhale focus on your inner self repeating "I take notice" and with each exhale repeat "I let it go".  Try to continue this through your entire practice, but if your mind wanders do not get discouraged, just come back to your breath.  Once you have completed your practice make sure to take savasana.  This resting pose is the most crucial pose in yoga, it not only finalizes your practice, but it helps your body rest to balance your energy and revitalize the body and mind.  Finish off your practice with a short meditation, ending your practice with that inner self speaking out, "I find peace."

Find your peace today!

Namaste,

Jesse