Venus Rising

Yoga for LivingIssue: Aries 07

Wake Up and Refresh With Sun Salutations and Alternate Nostril Breathing

The same energy that keeps an Aries woman moving and engaged in life can prevent her from stopping and responding to unexpected life events. When life asks her to slow down, she can become angry and disappointed. If a friend or coworker seem to be holding her back, she may become upset with them. Unlike Pisces people who are extremely aware of their surroundings, an Aries girl is so driven that she may not notice what surrounds her. It's times like these when she needs the strength to slow down and deal with the situation at hand, even if it might temporarily stop her from moving toward her goal. In fact, it's the goal itself that can limit her ability to relax into the moment.

Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana)

Nadi shodhana breath, or alternate nostril breathing, balances the two hemispheres of the brain.  Each hemisphere correlates with the masculine or feminine aspects of ourselves, the right brain feminine and the left brain masculine. When we breathe mainly through the left nostril, the right brain or our feminine side is more active. When we breathe mainly through the right nostril, our left brain or masculine side is more active. Nostril dominance changes about every hour and a half. This contributes partly to the fluctuations of our moods on a daily (or hourly) basis. Nadi shodhana helps to even out nostril dominance. It has a cooling, calming effect on the system making it a wonderful breath technique to balance our more masculine Aries side with the feminine side that allows us to emote, to feel, and to take the time to nurture ourselves and others. The act of sitting still is also good practice for an Aries. The fact that Nadi shodhana provides something to do while you sit, will hopefully make sitting easier.

To practice nadi shodhana, begin by finding an upright comfortable seat. Make a gentle fist with your right hand and release your thumb, ring finger, and pinkie finger. This is vishnu mudra. Turn your hand so it faces toward you, and relax your elbow into your body. Close off your right nostril with your thumb. Inhale through your left nostril. Close your left nostril with your ring finger. Release your thumb from your right nostril, and exhale out your right nostril. Inhale through your right. Then close off the right nostril with your thumb and exhale out your left. This is one round. Begin with five to ten rounds. Try to inhale and exhale for the same duration. If it's helpful, you can count and inhale and exhale for the same number of counts. After completing the breath technique, take a moment to sit and feel the effects. Nadi shodhana is both calming and refreshing. With practice, work up to fifteen minutes or more (up to forty rounds) and notice how its effects last throughout the day.  

Avoid injury! When practicing yoga, listen to your body and take responsibility for your safety. Always move gently into poses, and do not push too hard.