HPS Lydia
High Priestess
- Joined
- Sep 20, 2017
- Messages
- 7,296
Prana is defined as “that which moves inward”. It includes: Inhalation, eating, receiving mental and sensory stimulation. [1]
If you notice most people today, they neglect the first (pranayama; breathing exercises), which leads to going overboard on the others. Many people act like they are trying to cram as much mental and/or sensory stimulation into their minds as possible. Many people are addicted to youtube videos, social media, video games, random useless information online or on TV, just for the sake of mental/sensory stimulation.
If you notice the same in yourself, especially if you feel lethargic, try focusing more on pranayama. Try going for 15 minutes a day, focusing on your breath. Alternate nostril breathing to start, then switch to a triangle* or square* breath (described at the end). Finish by simply observing your normal breathing pattern without judgment, don’t try to force anything, simply observe it. This is also a form of Void meditation, so you will have the additional benefits.
While doing pranayama, know that you are receiving and filling your body with prana.
In Yoga, backbends (spinal extension) help to stimulate the pranic pattern [2]. Any asana involving a backbend, focus on the breath and the prana filling the lungs, easily and comfortably, yet as fully as possible.
Over-activating prana relates to megalomania, mania, overstretching (leading to injury), and an inability to say no and set boundaries [3]. You see this a lot with people who use too much social media and watch constant videos online. Therefore, a daily practice of yoga, as well as pranayama while voiding one's thoughts can be the key to fixing these issues.
Apana is the opposite direction in the body. Pranic is going upwards and out, apanic is down, elimination (ruling bodily excretion and ejaculation). Over-activation of apana is shown by an inability to let go of the past, emotional shutdown, fears, and being over-protective of oneself [4].
The way to manage and balance apana is by doing yoga asanas that involve spinal flexion: forward bends.
A complete and full yoga practice, maintained daily (or near-daily), can solve all the problems in the mind, body, and soul. Pranayama adds to this, and helps to keep spiritual energy high through the day.
*Triangle breath: Inhale, hold, exhale, repeat. Or, inhale, exhale, hold, repeat. Keep all the same count, for example 4-4-4.
*Square breath: Inhale, hold, exhale, hold, repeat. Keep all the same count, for example 4-4-4-4.
Source:
Kino MacGregor, The Power of Ashtanga Yoga 2 (for the info on prana and apana)
If you notice most people today, they neglect the first (pranayama; breathing exercises), which leads to going overboard on the others. Many people act like they are trying to cram as much mental and/or sensory stimulation into their minds as possible. Many people are addicted to youtube videos, social media, video games, random useless information online or on TV, just for the sake of mental/sensory stimulation.
If you notice the same in yourself, especially if you feel lethargic, try focusing more on pranayama. Try going for 15 minutes a day, focusing on your breath. Alternate nostril breathing to start, then switch to a triangle* or square* breath (described at the end). Finish by simply observing your normal breathing pattern without judgment, don’t try to force anything, simply observe it. This is also a form of Void meditation, so you will have the additional benefits.
While doing pranayama, know that you are receiving and filling your body with prana.
In Yoga, backbends (spinal extension) help to stimulate the pranic pattern [2]. Any asana involving a backbend, focus on the breath and the prana filling the lungs, easily and comfortably, yet as fully as possible.
Over-activating prana relates to megalomania, mania, overstretching (leading to injury), and an inability to say no and set boundaries [3]. You see this a lot with people who use too much social media and watch constant videos online. Therefore, a daily practice of yoga, as well as pranayama while voiding one's thoughts can be the key to fixing these issues.
Apana is the opposite direction in the body. Pranic is going upwards and out, apanic is down, elimination (ruling bodily excretion and ejaculation). Over-activation of apana is shown by an inability to let go of the past, emotional shutdown, fears, and being over-protective of oneself [4].
The way to manage and balance apana is by doing yoga asanas that involve spinal flexion: forward bends.
A complete and full yoga practice, maintained daily (or near-daily), can solve all the problems in the mind, body, and soul. Pranayama adds to this, and helps to keep spiritual energy high through the day.
*Triangle breath: Inhale, hold, exhale, repeat. Or, inhale, exhale, hold, repeat. Keep all the same count, for example 4-4-4.
*Square breath: Inhale, hold, exhale, hold, repeat. Keep all the same count, for example 4-4-4-4.
Source:
Kino MacGregor, The Power of Ashtanga Yoga 2 (for the info on prana and apana)