Pranayama

Welcome back to my insights on Patañjali’s Eight-Limb Path of Yoga.

Patañjali was an ancient sage, prior to 400 CE, who is known to be the author of the Yoga Sutras. In this blog let’s visit the Fourth-Limb, of Patañjali’s Eight-Limb Path, known as Pranayama. Prana - translates to - Breath, Life Force Energy Yama - translates to - to control or choreograph During my Yoga Teacher Training class of 2011 is where I began to learn about my breath in great detail. With time and much practice I’ve learned how to deliberately utilize my Prana (breath) to help me in times of stress. Whether I need the breath to help me on a mental, physical or emotional level I know the breath is my answer. There are many tools in my yogic toolbox and Pranayama is one of them.

I’ve learned that I need to practice each one of Patañjali’s Eight-Limbs in order to truly feel and experience and calm smooth breath to help relieve my tension and stress.

When I take the time to slow down and see or feel my Prana (breath) I become acquainted with its power, I become the breath. As I deliberately choreograph my breath towards the chitter chatter of my mind I am aiming for the stillness of thoughts. Aiming for a moment of quiescence of my mind. Our dogs, nature and my calm breath all set examples for me on how to live from an instinctual place instead of thinking place. This skill has taking me years to get comfortable with. I am still ’Practicing’ each day. Today, during my physical yoga practice I started with a smooth centering Pranayama (breathing) technique. Then transitioned into an asana (movement) practice. After an invigorating warm up, moving through a series of Vinyasa style Asana (Third-Limb) my body moved into Salamba Shirshasana (Headstand posture). This is considered to be a more advanced yoga asana. When I first went upside down, into Headstand, I asked my Spirit to help calm my breath. Next I tuned into Patañjali’s First-Limb or Yamas.

First-Limb/Yamas - ethical principles that guide how we treat others and self.

Below the Yamas are five sub-principles. #1. Ahimsa - non-violence #2. Satya - truthfulness #3. Asetya - non-stealing #4. Brahmacharya- behavior which leads to Brahman (universal self) #5. Aparigraha - non-possessiveness Next during Headstand I tuned into Patañjali’s Second-Limb or Niyamas.

Second-Limb/Niyamas - recommended habits for healthy living.

Below the Niyamas are five sub-principles. #1. Saucha - cleanliness of body, mind and Spirit #2. Santosha - contentment #3. Tapas - to burn #4. Svadhyaya- study of self #5. Ishvara Pranidhana - surrender to higher self

While I took my time in Headstand I reflected on each one of the Eight-Limbs.

Third-Limb - Asana - seat or posture

Fourth-Limb - Pranayama - the practice of breath control

Fifth-Limb - Pratayhara - withdrawal of the senses

Sixth-Limb - Dharana - focus the mind on a single point of concentration

Seventh-Limb - Dhyana - a state of meditation

Eight-Limb - Samadhi - Union with the Divine resulting from deep meditation

I felt at one with my Divinity for a tranquil moment. Look for the gifts in nature and feel for the gifts in your breath. Next time you do a physical/asana yoga practice try to reflect on each one of the Eight-Limbs throughout your practice.

On Line Reference - https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shirshasana Note: before you try any advanced yoga asana (postures ) it’s important to connect with an experienced yoga teacher. I can help you ‘Practice’ and work towards strengthening your mind and body to achieve the yogic path you desire. Contact Alicia Valentyn for a phone consultation. Be a Flower, Share your Beauty. Namaste <3 Alicia

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