As we continue this SACRED SAGA on our Life's Journey, we discover in the Yoga Sutras the 4th Limb: PRANAYAMA, defined:
"PRANAYAMA IS THE REGULATION OF THE INCOMING AND OUTGOING FLOW OF BREATH WITH RETENTION." ~ Yoga Sutras
You and I KNOW that without breath, we have NO LIFE, and yoga utilizes the breath to infuse more meaning, more depth & breadth into our beings in each PRESENT MOMENT. As Rolf Gates states, "Standing at the crossroads between asana and the purely contemplative aspects of the eight-limb path, PRANAYAMA encompasses both the physical and the contemplative.
The science of yogic breathing trains the mind in one-pointed concentration while radically improving our ability to accrue, store, regulate, and use the energy we receive from the air we breathe. Utilizing physical technique, we begin our journey into the metaphysical.
The wording of the Yoga Sutras on pranayama is quite easy to follow. To begin, simply do what you have already been doing. Pay attention to your breath while practicing asana. your breath should be calm and deliberate, but flowing without force or effort. Breathing in and out through the nose, let there be a pause after the inhalation, and a pause after the exhalation. If this becomes difficult, just stop and breathe freely. Begin again when it is possible to do so without difficulty. Observe the effect this measured breathing has on your physical and emotional experience. Follow the ebb and flow of your attention.
Pranayama and asana, energy and matter.
Om shanti, om peace, om breathe deeply....and LET GO!
Love, Lee Ann
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