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Start for freeIntroduction to Breath and Life
Jai Gurudev! Welcome to the transformative journey of breathing and meditation with Gurudev. The essence of life begins and ends with a breath - our first act is to inhale, and our last, to exhale. Despite its importance, few of us understand the profound connection between our breath and aspects of our lives such as emotions, health, and memory. This 10-day journey is designed to enlighten us on mastering this connection to enhance our overall well-being.
Breathing is the most vital function of our body, a fact underscored by the global concern over respiratory illnesses like COVID-19. Through specific breathing practices introduced in this guide, you will learn to increase your lung capacity and strengthen your respiratory system.
The Importance of Correct Breathing
Correct breathing is the cornerstone of good health, yet many are unaware of how to do it properly. Learning to breathe correctly can dramatically reduce anxiety and stress, and improve physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. A simple test to check if you're breathing correctly is to observe whether your stomach expands or contracts as you inhale.
The Foundation of Proper Breathing
Before diving into exercises, it's crucial to adopt an open body posture. Sitting with rounded shoulders and a hunched back can hamper blood circulation and restrict proper breathing. Ensuring your shoulders are back, your chest is open, and your neck aligns with your spine provides the optimal posture for breathing exercises.
Breathing Exercises to Transform Your Life
Kapalbhati Pranayam
Kapalbhati, meaning 'shining skull', is an exercise that enhances intellectual brightness. It involves a series of sharp exhalations, automatically followed by inhalations, focusing on contracting the navel towards the spine.
Candle Blowing
This exercise simulates blowing out candles, where you take a full inhalation through the nose and then exhale strongly through the mouth. It's an effective way to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, calming the entire nervous system.
Coordination of Muscles with Breath
This involves opening your palms and ribcage as you inhale, and squeezing your stomach as you exhale. It's designed to deepen your breath and improve thoracic mobility.
Bhastrika Pranayam
Bhastrika, or 'bellows breath', mimics the action of bellows, energizing the body and mind. It involves forceful inhalation and exhalation, significantly enhancing lung capacity.
Meditation with Gurudev
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar guides us through a meditation that focuses on balancing the masculine and feminine aspects within us, aligning our energy, and bringing a state of relaxed awareness. This meditation, along with the breathing exercises, prepares our body and mind for a state of relaxation and positivity.
In these challenging times, maintaining a positive mindset and a relaxed state of mind is crucial. Through these breathing techniques and meditation practices, we can significantly enhance our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Breathing is not just about survival; it's about thriving. By mastering the art of breathing, we unlock a powerful tool to navigate through life's ups and downs with grace and resilience. Let's embark on this 10-day journey with Gurudev, transforming our breath, and through it, our lives.
