In classical yoga practice we use the body’s natural breathing process to support and sustain health and wellness.
Traditional yoga instruction includes multiple facets. There are eight “limbs” of a classical approach to yoga: yama (ethical teachings); niyama (self discipline); asana (physical movements); pranayama (vitality development); pratyahara (sensory withdrawal); dharana (concentration); dhyana (meditation); and samadhi (interconnectedness).
Here we will briefly discuss general concepts of pranayama and how it can help us to better understand our health.
The Sanskrit word pranayama is comprised of the words prana and ayama, which means ‘pranic capacity or length’. Some people split the word differently into the words prana and yama, which translates as breath control.
The word prana itself essentially means vital force. We often use the general term energy to speak about prana.
The practice that one usually encounters in a typical yoga class is mostly asana (physical movements) and possibly some meditation. At Dharma Yoga, as lifetime yogis, we appreciate a balanced class offering of mantra (sounds), asana, pranayama and meditation. Integral to each of these practices are self-reflection, sensation awareness training and the opportunity to dissolve habits and patterns that limit our well- being.
Swami Niranjanananda writes: “Pranayama is more than just controlling the breath. Its primary purpose is (1) to awaken prana, (2) to maintain a healthy body and mind and (3) to prepare ourselves so that we can become aware of the more subtle levels of our existence.”
Examining this statement, we may find ourselves uncertain of the deeper meanings within.
What does it mean to “awaken prana”? In short, it points to developing and increasing our innate vitality through the practice of conscious breathing. The subject of various pranas is studied in depth at Dharma Yoga Evanston (view the class schedule here).
“Maintain a healthy body and mind” is just that. Often we may forget that our body is healed by oxygen. A full deep breath (or many) can result in many health benefits ranging from increasing vitality, calming nervous anxiety, deceasing physical tension and increasing sensation of relaxation. Conscious breathing potentially yields an overall harmonizing of the body subsequently resolving tensions in the mind.
“Awareness of the more subtle levels of our existence” can occur with well-guided time spent in practice. In practical application the benefit of becoming more self-aware could be as simple as noticing in a moment of stress that the breathing changes. In noticing this change, one can gain advantage of a different perspective and possibly make conscious choices as opposed to being ruled by a fear response or that stressor.
Bringing these considerations into our daily practice can shed light upon possibilities for ourselves, our humanity and our communities. Daily life is directly influenced by our time spent on the mat.
At Dharma Yoga Evanston our teachers are committed to your health and comfort.
We offer a supportive environment for students to progress with ease in their practice toward the ultimate goal of yoga; realization of our innate freedom and vitality. Students of all experience levels are welcomed and respectfully supported throughout each class to become comfortable within the challenges of the class. We encourage students to come to the practice free from expectation, without any sense of competition or judgment.
We look forward to seeing you soon! Keep breathing.
