|
KALI RAY TRIYOGA®
Interview with Kali Ray Founder of TriYoga®
Why is breathing important, in general and in yoga?
Inhaling is the first thing one does when entering the planet. Exhaling is the last thing done before leaving the planet. An average of 24,600 breaths are taken each day, approximately 15 breaths per minute. When fewer breaths per minute are taken in, more energy is felt because of correct breathing. The breath is inhaled deep into the lower lungs. Most people are shallow breathers; they are breathing into the smallest area of the lungs, the upper lungs. This is why 15 breaths per minute are needed. However, when one breathes correctly with diaphragmatic breathing, fewer breaths are taken. This is truly a case where quality is better than quantity.
Breathing is the only function of the body that is both voluntarily and involuntarily performed. This means the breath is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system and by the parasympathetic nervous system. Breath control functions like a bridge taking one from the conscious to the subconscious and finally through the power of meditation from the subconscious to the superconscious state.
Whether breathing practices are chosen to overcome stress, to strengthen the respiratory system, to increase energy, or to expand awareness, a wealth of benefits is found. The benefits that proclaim the transforming power of pranayama are too numerous to list. In just a short time of practice, one can claim the direct experience of being in the flow. When the breath flows, the mind, too, will feel the inner flow and meditation will be spontaneous. Life will be a breath of fresh air.
What is pranayama?
Pranayama is a Sanskrit word composed of prana and yama (to control) or ayama (to expand). It can be viewed both ways as pranayama is the control and expansion of prana.
Prana is derived from two roots: pra represents “continuous” and na means “movement.”
Prana means “life-energy.” The nature of prana is to flow continuously. Breathing practices serve as a powerful tool to control and expand the life-energy.
The life-energy can be directly controlled through rhythmic breathing practices. Ultimately prana is controlled through meditation.
Pranayama breathing techniques have been practiced for thousands of years. They are safe when performed systematically. It feels great to be in the flow with diaphragmatic breathing which is the foundation of all breathing practices. The body relaxes and the mind becomes more focused and calm.
The benefits of diaphragmatic breathing support all systems in the body. It gives a great massage to the heart and internal organs. Proper breathing stimulates circulation that supports strong assimilation, digestion, and elimination.
Neurologists have proven that people use only a small part of their brains. Because the brain is the largest consumer of oxygen, it is important to maintain an excellent supply of oxygen to it. This aids in awakening new areas in the brain.
Diaphragmatic breathing supplies the body with its required oxygen and the release of carbon dioxide. Pranayama gives the additional oxygen and prana to develop higher functioning of the brain. This will allow development of greater mental facilities through expanding the life-energy.
Natural Breath (diaphragmatic breathing)
The Natural Breath is the most natural way to breathe; babies breathe this way. By the time one reaches adulthood, shallow breathing has become a pattern. The causes include tension, stress, tense abdominal muscles, fear, emotions, poor posture, and poor diet. However, through proper breathing the body becomes healthier and the mind calmer.
What is someone likely to experience when doing pranayama?
With quality breathing, there is more absorption of prana from the air. Through lengthening the exhalation, more oxygen is absorbed and the release of carbon dioxide is more effective. Naturally one is going to feel better. Correct breathing stimulates all physiological functions. It increases the blood flow to the brain. Since the brain is the greatest consumer of blood in the body, this is highly beneficial.
When the rhythmical breath is maintained, the mind becomes calm. When the mind is restless, the breath reflects this by becoming arhythmical, as when the mind is fearful, the person will unconsciously hold the breath due to mental tension. When the breath is brought under control, as in pranayama, the mind is also brought under control. The breath and the mind are interdependent. Because of this powerful effect pranayama has over the mind, it has long been called one of the greatest austerities among the yogic practices.
Can it be practiced alone, or must it be part of the full practice of yoga?
Pranayama is ideal as part of the trinity practice which includes yoga postures, breathing practices, and meditation. Begin with yoga postures to release tension and to realign the body. Once the body is relaxed and good posture can be maintained, breathing practices are performed. Due to the calming effects of the breathing practices, it is only natural to sit for meditation afterwards to experience the inner calm. This trinity practice balances the body, mind, and spirit when practiced together; however, any of these three practices can also be practiced separately.
When one gains the ability to balance and increase the life-energy flow, one is able to achieve stronger health and a calmer, more focused mind. Prana is taken into our body with each breath. Therefore, breathing practices directly increase the prana. Prana is also absorbed from the food that is eaten and water that is drunk. The purer the food and water, the more prana is absorbed.
When prana becomes depleted, due to overindulgence of the senses and mental stress, disease of the body and mind occur. Through breathing practices, the body and mind revitalize and better choices are made. The right actions are easier to take; unnecessary desires and thoughts fall away. One feels more confident, compassionate, and creative. Higher knowledge and bliss fill the mind. Such is the power of pranayama.
Kali Ray
November 3, 2000
© 2000 by TriYoga
www.kaliraytriyoga.com/
|
