Venus Rising

Yoga for LivingIssue: Virgo 08

Relax and Be Here

As we move toward the end of long stretches of daylight and outdoor socializing, it's worth savoring the last days of summer. Since we do not control time, we cannot extend the seasons, but we can choose how we relate to what is happening. Each time we stop and take a slow, conscious breath, we become more present in the moment. We relax and are more able to take in our surroundings. Slowing down our breath directly affects the speed at which thoughts move through the mind. The longer the breath, the fewer thoughts we have.

When we hold our breath unconsciously, the mind becomes more anxious. Usually we hold our breath because something is happening that we do not want to feel. We hold our breath to disconnect from an experience that could be painful, unpleasant, or just awkward. Holding our breath, of course, does not change the situation. The discomfort, awkwardness or pain still exists. We have simply closed ourselves off to it. There is an alternative.

When we stop, relax into our experience, and allow our breath to flow, whatever we are feeling can move through us and have the opportunity to change. Eventually the discomfort will lessen and the awkwardness becomes more neutral. If we let it. The alternative to closing off is to embrace whatever situation life brings. We can relax into rather than struggle against. Dirgha breath is a wonderful practice of slowing down and being here. I encourage you to embrace the end of summer by choosing to breathe. BE HERE for this last month of summer. 

Dirgha Pranayama (Three part breath)

Dirgha pranayama can be practiced either sitting or lying down. To start, I recommend that you lie comfortably on your back with a pillow propped under your knees. As you become more comfortable with the technique and with sitting, then you can practice sitting up with a straight spine. 

Begin by taking a deep breath and relaxing into your space. Let go of expectations. Settle. When you feel ready, inhale through your nose and fill first your belly, then your rib cage, and then your chest with breath. Exhale though your nose releasing the breath first from the chest, then the rib cage, and then the belly. Imagine your torso like a glass and the breath water. As you inhale, fill the glass with water from bottom to top, and as you exhale empty the water from top to bottom. Notice where it is easy to breathe and where it feels more difficult. Practice for five to ten minutes.