Balance The Energy
Today I’m sharing another breathing practice that I’ve found extremely helpful for getting centered.
If you missed my post on 4/12/23 titled "Take A Deep Breath," I encourage you to go back and read it first.
In yogic philosophy, it is believed that the self consists of five distinct bodies: the physical body, the vital or energetic body, the emotional or mental body, the intellectual body, and the blissful body. These are known as the Koshas and are considered the five sheaths or layers of a human being. The Upadhi is our vessel or ride for experiencing life. It includes these five bodies. Each of these bodies is like a deep container for our thoughts, feelings, awareness, and connection to our real self.
There are numerous ways to disconnect or disengage, and I would say it's now easier than ever. For me this has happened through social media, shopping, drugs, alcohol and various other options that were conveniently accessible and constantly available. Dissociation is when your mind creates some distance from your thoughts, feelings, memories, or even who you think you are. It's like feeling a bit disconnected or watching yourself from afar. It's something that can happen when things get really overwhelming or traumatic, and your mind uses it as a defense mechanism. Sometimes it's just spacing out or getting lost in your thoughts, but for some people, it can be more serious and develop into dissociative disorders. In my recovery, I’m learning how to come back to myself.
The practice of Nadi Shodhana, also known as alternate nostril breathing, is beneficial for redirecting your energy towards your core self. It is considered one of the most potent methods for achieving balance between the body and mind. By alternating the nostrils we breathe through, we can stimulate both the right and left hemispheres of our brain, effectively harmonizing and integrating both sides of our nervous system.
To practice Nadi Shodhana place the forefinger and middle finger in between your brows (traditionally this is done with your right hand). Use your thumb to close your right nostril and inhale through your left nostril. Close your left nostril with your ring and or little finger, release your thumb and exhale through the right nostril. Inhale into the right, close with your thumb, release the left nostril and exhale through the left. Inhale through the left, close the left, exhale on the right. Continue in this way inhaling, close, switch, exhale, inhale, close, and switch.
When you're just starting out, focus on taking slow, steady, and even inhalations and exhalations. Pay attention to the sound of your breath. As you become more at ease and experienced, you can incorporate breath retention at the end of your inhales (pausing while full of breath) and exhales (pausing while empty of breath). It's important to never feel rushed or strained during this practice. You may want to clear your nose by blowing it before you begin and start with just a few minutes of practice. As you grow more comfortable, you can gradually increase the repetition to approximately twenty times. "Dancing the energies" from right to left brings a lightness to the body and a sense of calm to the mind. I personally find this technique beneficial before meditation and as part of my bedtime routine.
Thank you for reading this. I hope you'll come back. I'll be over here.
