First act of life - breathing
Last act of life - exhaling
Between these two acts our world resides. "Breath" is the most important part of our life. Life is not possible without it Have you ever noticed this? Do we ever stop and pay attention to the process of breathing in and out?
We don't feel the need because the breathing process is so smooth. But do you know that meditation on breathing has many health related benefits? - Better immunity, stability in mind and happy mind - There are some benefits of breathing properly.
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Most of you may be wondering what could be learned about breath that can be learned? Does this process not happen automatically? Yes, it is true that breathing is a natural process but through pranayama (some breathing exercises) the flow of breath can be controlled. By doing pranayama, the nadis (nerves) open inside our body which provide energy and make our mind and body healthy.
Let us know how yoga and breath are related?
You can change your mood with Pranayama
Breathing is your closest companion. A companion who keeps you informed every moment of your emotions. Think once - when you get angry then your breathing becomes fast; When you are calm then your breathing slows down.
This means that the breath is connected not only with the body but also with the mind. And we all want a happy mind, don't we? Pranayam is useful here.
Pranayama is made up of two words - Prana i.e. life force and Yama (dimension) i.e. regularizing. We break the normal pattern of breathing by pranayama and breathing is able to concentrate. By paying attention to breathing, we are also able to influence the mind. Therefore, by doing pranayam, there is a flow of vital energy in the body and the person feels refreshed.
We can also relax in difficult yogas by focusing on breathing.
Can you even think of resting in any difficult posture you imagine? But it is possible. While doing the posture, just pay attention to your breathing. By doing this, the mind becomes calm due to which you are able to relax in any yogasana.
Coordinating between mind and breathing is another benefit - bringing the mind to the present moment while doing yoga. It happens many times that when you are doing yoga, your mind goes somewhere else. In such a situation, you can improve your yoga practice by bringing the mind to the present moment.
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By paying attention to breathing, you can apply 100 percent in your yoga practice. Apart from this, keep a light smile while doing yoga. By doing this, you will be able to relax during your yoga practice and will also be able to enjoy yoga.
How to establish synergy between breathing and yoga.
While doing any yoga asana, if you are spreading your body, breathe in. For example, if you are spreading your hands or bending backwards while doing yoga, then take the breath.
While doing any Yogasan, if you are shrinking the body then release the breath. For example, if you are leaning forward or turning while doing yoga, then release the breath outward.
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Do not hold your breath while doing yoga asana unless you have been instructed for it. If you are stopping the breath while doing yoga asanas, it means that you are not completely resting in the posture.
Yoga develops body and mind. Yoga has physical and mental benefits but it cannot be used in place of any medicine.