“Breath is the link between the body and the mind. If the mind is the kite, the breath is the string. The longer the string, the higher the kite can fly.”
– Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder of The Art of Living Foundation
Benefits of Pranayama (Breathing Techniques)
Increases the quantity and quality of life force (prana)
Clears blocked energy channels
Harmonizes body, mind, and spirit
Strengthens the immune system
Rejuvenates body and mind
Slows down the aging process
Exhale Stress, Inhale Joy
Did you know that we can eliminate up to 90% of the body’s toxins through correct breathing? We can learn the art of breathing properly by observing newborn babies. Have you noticed how their stomachs gently rise and fall as they inhale and exhale? Breath is a vital source of energy. The key to a healthy and happy life lies in proper breathing. When we care for our breath, it can help heal us from worry and anxiety.
At a conference in Germany, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar explained the connection between breath and emotions:
“Our breath is linked to our emotions. Each emotion has a corresponding breathing pattern. So, when we cannot directly control our emotions, we can do so through breath. If you’ve been in a theater, you know that a director will ask you to breathe faster to portray anger. To portray calmness, the director will ask for slower, gentler breath. When we understand the rhythm of our breath, we gain control over our mind. We can overcome negative emotions like anger, jealousy, greed—and smile more from the heart.”
Is Your Breathing Deep or Shallow?
Most of us breathe from the chest. This shallow breathing signals the brain that something’s wrong—that we’re under stress. On the other hand, abdominal breathing increases inhalation, supplying a rich flow of oxygen to the brain and sending a signal that all is well.
Prana: The Breath of Life
The ancient Indian science of yoga identified the power of breath and developed specific techniques to enhance it. The ancient yogis discovered prana as the universal life force or energy that distinguishes the living from the dead. We obtain prana from food, rest, fresh air, and a calm, joyful state of mind. However, the most important source of prana is breath—when the breath stops, life ends.
They found that the quantity and quality of prana, and the way it flows through the nadis (subtle energy channels), determines the state of the mind.
Due to lack of awareness, the energy channels in most people are partially blocked, causing the flow of prana to be disrupted. This leads to anxiety, fear, insecurity, conflict, tension, and other negative states. But when the prana level is high and flows smoothly and continuously, the mind becomes calm, positive, and enthusiastic.
Popular Breathing Techniques You May Want to Try
You can practice these breathing techniques any time of day on an empty stomach.
Is your mind overloaded with activity? Can’t stop thinking about what someone said to you?
Find a quiet corner and try Bhramari Pranayama (the Bee Breath) to calm the restless mind. This breathing technique is particularly helpful for people with high blood pressure.
Kapal Bhati (Shining Skull Breath) is considered one of the most important and effective breathing techniques for detoxifying the body and clearing energy channels.
Feeling low on energy? Try three rounds of Bhastrika Pranayama (the Bellows Breath) to quickly boost your vitality.
Can’t focus on your tasks? Try nine rounds of Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing) followed by ten minutes of meditation. This technique calms and balances the mind by harmonizing the left and right hemispheres of the brain, which correspond to the logical and emotional aspects of our personality.
A Note of Caution
Yoga practice helps develop the body and mind and offers many health benefits, but it is not a substitute for medical treatment. It is important to learn and practice yoga techniques under the supervision of a trained Sri Sri Yoga instructor. In the case of any medical condition, practice yoga only after consulting your doctor and a certified Sri Sri Yoga teacher.
Find a Sri Sri Yoga course at an Art of Living Center near you.
For course information or to share your feedback, write to us at info@artofliving.bg.
