10 Steps Yogic Breathing

It is very easy to forget breathing right between the fast paced lifestyle and the stress levels we manage everyday. We may fit in an exercise regime, but still feel stressed. Think why?
Cellular respiration is the source of all physical energy and expression. It is dependent on constant flow of oxygen to every cell in our body. We breathe in a different pattern in every emotional condition. When relaxed, we breathe slow and deep that gives the experience of the best emotional state and positive energy flow.

Practicing full Yogic Breathing or Pranayama is the base of physical well-being and clarity of mind. Weight loss, short and long term health goals are fulfilled at no extra cost. Practicing Pranayama heals the body from inside out and creates a positive energy flow to set your purpose and intentions right. I strongly believe in it as I have seen the results myself. I have been able to change my lifestyle and maintain it for years now as every day when I practice Pranayama, am reminded of my intention. You really do not have to like yoga to learn Yogic Breathing, you just have to love breathing. Rest follows on its own!

1. Get in a comfortable seating position on the floor or your mat. Melt your shoulders back, slightly tuck in the chin and sit up with a straight spine. 
2. Close your eye gently. Put your hands on your knees, release the tongue from the roof of the mouth, unclench the jaws and relax your eyebrows.
3. Gently place your hand on your navel. Slowly breathe into your belly and feel your belly expanding. Imagine the flow of breath from your nose all the way through your belly.
4. Hold your inhale for 10 secs. Slowly exhale all the air out, feeling you belly sinking in to your back. Hold for 10 secs. Try to make your exhales as long as the inhales.
5. Repeat for 10-15 times.
6. Now switch hands and put the other hand on your chest.
7. Gently take a deep inhale from your belly to the ribs and to the chest. Feel your chest puff up. Hold for 10 secs.
8. Slowly, with control, exhale all the air out as it came in; out from the belly through the ribs and then the chest. Hold for 10 secs.
9. Repeat this for 10-15 rounds.
10. Very gently open you eyes and bow down to yourself for awakening your spirit.

Pranayama not only improves our ability to fight stress but it also has great physical impact in toning our internal organs. Exercising does not necessarily move our internal organs and with most of us sitting all day, our internal organs do not get the motion they need. Breathing completely in three stages with control, making exhales longer than inhales, moves the organs, changes their shape and release any extra liquid and food around. Just like our muscles our internal organs need this movement. 

How we breathe directly affects our nervous system and hence our physical, spiritual and psychological well being. So ask yourselves - Did you breathe today?