Breathe in... breathe out

Breath is our life force; it nourishes all of our cells and our tissues and brings life and energy into our being.

The ancient yogis discovered the importance of deep breathing for added longevity and quality of life. They noticed that animals with slow breath rates, like tortoises and elephants, live longer than animals with faster breath rates, such as birds, cats and dogs.

The yoga breath was something I struggled with when I first started my practice. I was doing my breathing completely reverse. Then one day, the light came on (or the belly came out). I like to mix up my practice with a combo of home practice with DVD's and in-studio classes; this particular evening I had just put in a new yoga DVD and the instructor explained the breathing technique perfectly. - No longer do I struggle with it - it is a very natural breathing for me now.

As women, we are taught all our lives to keep our bellies tight and "sucked in".... yet in yoga breathing you have to let it out - fill your belly with air as you inhale and deflate as you exhale. As with my blog on finding serenity in savasana, I would like to emphasize that you do not need to practice yoga to enjoy the benefits of the breath. Research indicates that the benefits of the "yoga breath" ( ‘Pranayama’ in Sanskrit) has fantastic benefits. Benefits of the full yogic breath are that it:

	Releases acute and chronic muscular tensions around the heart and digestive organs.
	Helps sufferers of respiratory illnesses such as asthma and emphysema to overcome the fear of shortness of breath. It actually increases lung capacity.
	Encourages proper nervous stimulus to the cardio-vascular system
	Dramatically reduces emotional and nervous anxiety
	Improves detoxification through increased exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen
	Amplifies the auto immune system by increased distribution of energy to the endocrine system
	Calms the mind and integrates the mental / physical balance.

How to Breathe

To explore a deep breath practice, lie flat on your back; place your hands on your belly and inhale. Draw the breath to the deepest part of your lungs and feel your belly rise. Notice how your rib cage expands and your chest lifts when you fill your lungs into their depths. When you breathe out, exhale in a smooth continuous movement, observing the belly lowering under your hands. Once you get used to this technique, practice it wherever you are. As you breathe in, do it slowly... try counting to 5 as you breathe in, next time go to 8, next time try for a count of 12.... slow and controlled.... and do the same as you exhale. Enjoy the calmness that comes. Enjoy the peace that comes from within.

Let Your Light Shine

Pat

Rejuvenate in Savasana

Savasana (pronounced sha-VAH-suh-nuh) is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Savasana, also known as corpse pose, can be one of the most challenging poses you might do. How difficult can it be to just lay there, completely still, you may think. It is very difficult to completely clear your mind. Although challenging, you will get there with practice.

Everything you need for Savasana can be found lying around the house. The basic form of Savasana requires only a quiet space and a comfortable surface to lie on. STOP. You do not need to practice yoga to enjoy and appreciate Savasana.

According to experts, if you stay in Savasana long enough, you will eventually experience three different stages. The first stage resembles a psychological let go. It takes about 10 mins to get to this stage. At first, you may feel like your mind is still very active and attached to thoughts and feelings. However, gradually the brain waves and the breath slow down, and the blood pressure drops.

As the mind and body surrender , the real Savasana can begin. During this second stage, awareness of the outside world begins to dim. You might hear sounds, but they won't disturb you. Instead, everything will start to drift farther and farther away. This is my favorite part of Savasana. It is for me, the most healing for my body and comforting for my mind. It is as if my body sleeps and my mind watches. This is where I can completely disconnect from my thoughts, the pressures of the day and the stress that everyday actvities have the potential of presenting.

The third and final state of Savasana occurs when the mind completely lets go. It is thought that the brain waves slow down to their lowest frequency. You will feel disconnected from the outside world. This is where a timer comes in handy, or if you are in a yoga class, the teacher will bring you back to the present. And, if you are in the comfort of your home and this state continues longer, enjoy.

Even if you don't practice yoga, you should treat yourself and open yourself to the experience of Savasana. Find a comfortable spot, lay down with a little pillow under your head, and if needed, a blanket or pillow under your knees - let your legs fall apart naturally and surrender... give yourself to the earth, let go of feelings, thoughts, emotions.... picture a bright light shining on you as if you are solar powered and this light is renenerging you.

~ Let your light shine

Pat