Pranayama 

Breath is the bridge which connects life to Consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts.

~ Thich Nhat Hanh

Prana is LIFE FORCE!

Prana is the energy vibrating the universe at all levels. Ayama means to stretch, expand, regulate, control or prolong. Prana ~ ayama = Pranayama. 

There is a cosmic rhythm to all of life – even the sun breathes! We come into life taking full, deep breaths, naturally, from the diaphragm. Pollution, fear, stress, trauma, lethargy, and restrictive clothing result in shallow breathing sequestered to the upper chest. Consciously reprogramming the breath by practicing pranayama, brings the microcosm of the body back into harmony with the macrocosm of the universe. The Yogi is the conscious breather who knows that breath awareness may be the single most important change we make in life.

The metabolic process extracts prana from air, food and water. Prana is received directly from the sun, wind and earth, and in pre-dawn hours we are soothed and refreshed by lunar prana.

Pranayama cleanses the nadis;  the network of thousands of subtle energy pathways radiating from the heart and navel centres. When our nadis are cleansed, ” prana is flowing unrestricted “, our respiratory system will then function at its optimal homeostasis which in turn improves circulation, digestion, and elimination.

Breath and mind are intimately interwoven; ” the mind ‘rides’ on prana “.  Pranayama invigorates whilst relaxing not only the mind, but the face, neck, and brain.

Benefits of Pranayam

  • calms and tones the autonomic nervous system (ANS) which balances every other body system
  • brings in up to 6 litres of air with every inhalation
  • increases oxygen saturation of blood
  • eliminates large amounts of excess CO2 in the body
  • encourages the full range of motion in the diaphragm
  • can increase lung capacity

Parts of Each Breath: Puraka, Rechaka, Kumbhaka

Yogic breathing practice or pranayama is an essential part of practicing yoga, and,……living a life that is attuned to the natural rhythms of Mamma Gaia and our inherent optimal homeostasis.

 

Traditionally, there are at least four parts to each yogic // pranayama breath

(1) Puraka or inhalation,

(2) Rechaka or exhalation, and

(3) Kumbhaka or pausing of breath.

There are 2 forms of Kumbhaka, breath retention after inhalation (Antara Kumbhaka) and pausing of breathing after exhalation (Bahya Kumbhaka)

Pranayama Reminders :

  • Unless otherwise instructed, all breathing is in and out through the nose; this warms, filters and moisturizes the air in the body, activating the parasympathetic nervous system and supporting rest, repair and immune function.
  • All pranayama begins with exhalation from the Ida Nadi ( Feminine Lunar Channel of Left Nostril ).
  • 2 essentials: a stable spine ( achala ) and a still yet alert mind ( sthira ).
  • 2 goals of pranayama: extended ( dirgha ) and subtle ( sukshma ) breathing patterns.
  • Pranayama ( and generally all yoga ) is done on an empty stomach.
  • Pregnancy and menstruation | Absolutely NO Kapalabhati, Bhastrika, Antara Kumbhaka or Uddiyana Bhanda.

Some Pranayama Techniques you may learn in an S3 Pranayama Class: 

  • Ujjayi: ” Ocean Breath “
  • Yogic: ” 3 Part Breathing “
  • Bhramari: “ Bee Breathing “
  • Bhastrika: ” The Bellows Breath “
  • Sama Vritti: ” Even Breathing “
  • Vishama Vritti: ” Uneven Breathing “
  • Kapalabhati: ” The Breath of Fire “
  • Breath of Joy
  • Nadi Shodhana
  • Anuloma Viloma
  • Most S3 Pranayama classes will include a variety of Pranayama techniques, as well as including brief preparatory and closing meditations, mantras, and some light yogic movement to prepare our physical vessels. Those with specific desires for a Pranayama class, may speak with Roni directly, whom remains forever open to your enlightened suggestions, preferences, and intentional visions.

Pranayama ( Conscious Breathing to prepare, protect, & pamper our sacred physical vessel ) Classes are offered on an S3 Sliding Scale of Generousity from $77.00 – $22.00 / hour / person &/or class ( depending on the particular class and purpose, from Private INdividual INstruction to Corporate Wellness Programs, and all possibilities in between ).

Check our S3 Calendar for scheduled Pranayama Classes, where you can also register, as long as pARTicipation opportunities remain openly available.