Finding Balance | Guided Relaxation and Alternate Nostril Breathing

In today’s fast-paced world, taking a moment to ground yourself and find inner peace is more important than ever. This video offers a serene guided relaxation session followed by a powerful practice of alternate nostril breathing, also known as Nadi Shodhana.

Guided Relaxation

We begin with a calming guided relaxation designed to help you release tension and connect with the present moment. This practice encourages mindfulness, allowing you to let go of stress and cultivate a sense of tranquility. By focusing on your breath and body, you can achieve a state of deep relaxation, setting the stage for the breathing exercise to follow.

Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana)

Following the relaxation, we transition into alternate nostril breathing, a traditional yogic practice known for its balancing effects on the mind and body. This technique involves breathing through one nostril at a time, which helps to harmonize the left and right hemispheres of the brain, promoting mental clarity and emotional stability.

Benefits of Alternate Nostril Breathing:

• Reduces Stress: This practice activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to lower stress levels and induce a state of calm.
• Improves Focus: By balancing the brain’s hemispheres, alternate nostril breathing enhances concentration and mental clarity.
• Balances Energy: It helps to regulate the flow of prana (life force energy) throughout the body, creating a sense of equilibrium.
• Supports Respiratory Health: This technique can improve lung function and respiratory efficiency.

How to Practice

1. Find a Comfortable Seat: Sit in a comfortable position with your spine straight and shoulders relaxed.
2. Close Your Right Nostril: Use your right thumb to gently close your right nostril.
3. Inhale Through Your Left Nostril: Take a slow, deep breath in through your left nostril.
4. Close Your Left Nostril: Use your right ring finger to close your left nostril.
5. Exhale Through Your Right Nostril: Release your right thumb and exhale slowly through your right nostril.
6. Inhale Through Your Right Nostril: Take a slow, deep breath in through your right nostril.
7. Close Your Right Nostril: Use your right thumb to close your right nostril again.
8. Exhale Through Your Left Nostril: Release your right ring finger and exhale slowly through your left nostril.

Repeat this cycle for several minutes, focusing on your breath and the sensation of air moving through your nostrils.

Conclusion

In just a few minutes, you can experience the profound benefits of guided relaxation and alternate nostril breathing. This simple yet powerful practice can help you balance your energy, reduce stress, and enhance your overall well-being. We invite you to take this time for yourself and enjoy the journey to inner peace.

xx-Jai

Whether you’re looking to dive deeper into the Yoga Sutras, The Vedas, Upanishads or would like to explore our blog, we have a wealth of information available for you! Better yet, join us in the Vallarta Breeze Yoga Puerto Vallarta Yoga studio, or practice with us online! we’re excited to continue this journey with you. See you on the mat!

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