My Favourite Conscious Breathing Pranayama Exercise
Pranayama is loosely translated as prana (pra-aana) or breathe control.
Breathing affects our state of mind.
Breathing can make us excited or calm, tense or relaxed. It can make our thinking confused or clear.
In the ancient yogic tradition, air is the primary source of life force, a psycho-physio-spiritual force that permeates the universe. Yogic breathing is used in yoga as a separate practice to help clear and cleanse the body and mind.
Pranayama oxygenates the lungs by getting rid of enormous quantity of carbon dioxide and other toxic gases.
Pranayama is also used in preparation for asana, the practice of yogic postures and meditation, to help maximise the benefits of the practice, and focus the mind.
And, hey, if you like or teach conscious breathing, you’ll probably love my Blissful Breathing Card Deck: Fun Way To Practice Pranayama.
Conscious Breathing Pranayama Exercise: Animated Video
This is one of my favourite conscious breathing exercises for cultivating calm and relaxation.
When we breathe consciously, we invite a sense of peace and balance into our bodies. In contrast, unconscious breathing often leads to tension and stress—so let’s take control of the breath and shift into a state of ease.
