Ujjayi Pranayama is called the victorious breath because of the expansion in the belly and chest. Practicing this type of breath perks up one’s confidence in a way that is reminiscent of a victorious warrior. It can also mean to gain mastery. On a deeper or more spiritual level, Ujjayi Pranayama is about achieving freedom from bondage.
Read MoreSitali Pranayama, often called “the cooling breath,” is a breath practice that cools the body and has a calming effect on the nervous system. This breath is going to be particularly helpful for those of us in California and the West effected by the deteriorating air quality from the current wildfires.
Read MoreKapalabhati is a rigorous practice of the breath and body; it is intended to build heat in the deep core and radiant heat out the skull. Game to give it a try? Have a sense of humor with this one and keep at it.
Read MoreThe lion represents courage, and the root word of courage is heart. Practicing this pranayama can help you stay open when you want to close, when you want to shut down, when your default reaction is to shrink and hide. Lion’s breath is for anyone who could benefit from clearing out some space, stepping into it, and owning it.
Read MoreMetta’s blog is moving into explorations of pranayama (breathing practices). There’s really no better time to practice various breathing exercises than right now. Particularly in this time of global pandemic, as the world around us at times feels crazy, scary and unpredictable, using the breath to center and ground ourselves is especially powerful.
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