One of the simplest ways to quiet an agitated mind or unsettled heart, is to simply breathe. The breath is the primary vehicle of our vital life force energy, which is called prana in Sanskrit. In addition to animating our body, prana is also intimately intertwined with our mind. In yoga pranayama is a set of breathing practices designed to expand this life force and to bring mental clarity. Pay attention to your natural breath notice the rise an the fall of each inhalation and exhalation.
How does your breath feel? Is a common smooth? Is it shallow or deep? If the breath is disturbed the mind will also be uneasy. So take a moment to enjoy your breath. Close your eyes and slowly breathe in and breathe out.
Yoga in Practice, led by master instructor Stacey Millner-Collins, is designed to teach the foundations of yoga to the at-home student, and to encourage a daily yoga practice that is more than simply physical exercise. To purchase DVD episodes of Yoga in Practice, visit ShopSCETV.