Pranayama is based on the Sanskrit word Prana- meaning life force, vital force, energy, that which animates matter – or first unit of energy and yama – which means transformation, transmutation from yama – the Hindu god of death. So pranayama means literally transformation or transmutation of life force, that which animates matter.
The purpose of practicing pranayama is to control the mind by concentrating our attention onto our breath and to control and meditate on the breath and to become aware, consciously aware of the effect that breath meditation has on our consciousness.
Since our breath is our link to this physical existence when we meditate on breath we are actually meditating on our life. So become aware that you are meditating on your life, your beingness, and don’t take your breath for granted. With practice you will begin to develop an awareness of your breath throughout your day and evening and this will anchor you in your practice of yoga. Yoga is not about doing exercises. Yoga is an awareness. By practicing pranayama we become aware of our breath and will develop this awareness that is yoga.
PHYSICAL BENEFITS
Imagine if you never opened the windows of your home. Season after season, year after year your windows are closed. Your home would be stuffy, probably not so clean and the air would certainly be stale and toxic.
So it is with our lugs. We normally use about 1/3 of our lung capacity. When we run or engage in any strenuous physical activity our breathing increases and we fully inhale and exhale air thus completely filling and emptying the lungs. When we practice pranayama we do this in a controlled way. The result is that the lungs and blood are completely oxygenated. Oxygen travels through the blood to all parts of the body to all cells, all molecules of the body sending prana, LIFE FORCE, ENERGY to all parts of the body. The nervous system is charged, the blood system is cleansed, toxins are removed and the eliminative properties of the body are increased to remove poisons and negativity.The result is you feel charged, energized, high and bright.
Practice in any sitting posture. Practice the exercises in the pranayama section. Practice the exercises and let go and watch what happens. Most of all – practice.
3 Parts of Pranayama
ALL BREATHING EXERCISES HAVE 4 ELEMENTS
1 – The inhale
2 – The holding or retention of the breath in the lungs
3 – The exhalation
4 – The holding of the breath out of the lungs
1 – The inhalation – may be very strong and powerful or very smooth and light, depending on the excercise.
2 – Holding the breath – may be in between the inhale and exhale, or at the end of the excercise – very important.
3 – The exhale – fully by contracting the stomach, pulling the navel all the way in and expelling all air from the lungs.
4 – Holding the breath -out of the lungs before beginning the next cycle. Depending on the intensity and time of your practice you will begin to experience a subtle shift in your awareness which will bring a clarity and sense of calm. You will develop the ability to change your mental state from lethargy to energy, from being tense to relaxed. Pranayam is a natural transition from asanas to meditation.