Keeping your sh*t and your balance intact often involves stepping away from negative or draining situations, a discipline that’s vital for holding on to prana. In asana practice, we watch for distractions and notice when the mind wanders. For most yogis, this focus helps us develop the ability to retain enough lifeforce to stay balanced and in the moment.
In your practice, observe when the mind wanders, and how long it takes to come back to the moment. Physically, we discover areas where prana is stuck. Then, through mindfulness, focus on what you’ve been giving too much physical or emotional energy. An unnecessary drain of energy can leave you empty so that you have nothing left for yourself.
When you discover this connection, you’ll have aroused your awareness—the first step in experiencing crystal clear thinking, understanding your purpose, and taking action to make substantial changes.
Prana Shower Breath
Try this next time you’re at an event or any place you don’t want to be, and note how it instinctively prepares the body (and the mind) for what's coming next. If you’re like most people, before you enter the event, you might take a breath, hold it for a moment, and then, with a deep sigh, think, Okay, let me get this over with. You may not even be aware of it, but when you hold the breath before speaking or acting, you’re organically harnessing pranic energy to help you accomplish the unpleasant task at hand.
How to Do It
1. Sit with your head, neck, and trunk in alignment. Inhale through your nose opening your eyes wide, and imagine yourself drawing in light energy through your ears, face, and the top of your head. Take in as much air as you can.
2. When your lungs are full, hold your prana-filled breath. Close your eyes, and bring your awareness to the point between your eyebrows. Visualize the energy you inhaled forming a ball of bright light at the center of your forehead. Hold the breath for as long as it’s comfortable.
3. Exhale slowly, feeling the light disperse into an invigorating shower of energy throughout your system. Repeat the breath cycle in this manner
up to 10 times.
Motivation Off the Mat
Like taking out the garbage, remember to release the negative attitudes and energies from the high-maintenance people that may drain you of your prana. At one time, they may have had important reasons for being in your life, but now, respect yourself enough to let them go. It’s better to be alone than to be in toxic company.
Wise Words
* If you’re filled with toxins, tensions, and closed-down body parts, you won’t have room for prana to flow.
* A purposeful attitude has the power to transform the experience of life itself. Live with intention.
* Prana follows thought.
