Even though summer is leaving us autumn has a lot to offer. It’s an invigorating season when the air is brisk and the leaves create a beautiful blanket of vibrant colors. We should enjoy the changing of the seasons and breathe in the fresh new air.
Yesterday I sat on my patio in the morning sun and took a deep breath. I could hear my wind chimes blowing lightly in the background and it was wonderfully peaceful. The crisp air was so refreshing I decided to indulge and take a moment for myself and practice the breathing exercises I have learned over the past year and a half with yoga, to take in the positive energy from the earth and rid myself of the negative. I’ve been practicing yoga for the past year or so and I can’t say enough about how great it makes me feel. By taking the time to breathe and meditate it gives me a renewed and refreshed feeling I cannot explain, but if you ask any of my friends they will tell you I highly recommend trying it.
Yoga will teach you to appreciate deep breathing and the cleansing purifying effects of all the exercises. Full Yogic-breathing combines first inhaling and expanding the abdomen, you then continue inhaling as you expand and fill the chest. To exhale, first from the chest as it empties and melts, then continue exhaling from the abdomen as it draws inwards completely. This is one full round of yogic-breathing. You may experience unevenness or ‘bumps’ in your breaths; this is only natural considering most of us have created improper breathing habits over the years. Remember above all, this process should be done without stress or strain. Go slowly and easily, it make take a few weeks of practice to perfect a smooth flowing pattern with minimum effort and maximum capacity. Trust me, it’s much harder than it appears, it still takes a lot of focus for me. Remember the pattern… inhaling - abdomen then chest; exhaling – chest then abdomen.
Some of the benefits of complete Yogic-breathing are increasing oxygen supply to the blood—hemoglobin levels, it slows the heart rate, creates calming effects on central nervous system therefore relieves tension, helps with insomnia, headaches, indigestion, aids in metabolism as well as mental and mystical benefits. Along with the healing benefits, getting in touch with your self and the universe, meditation gives you a sense of peace that I try to carry with me throughout my day. When I’m stuck in traffic or in a situation I know I cannot change, I stop and take a deep meditative breath. There are many more benefits to practicing Yoga, physically and mentally, it’s worth the time to try it for yourself.
Our lives are hectic - work, family, errands to run, why not take some time to relax and breathe in the fresh air. Enjoy your home and the fresh air; autumn is a beautiful time of the year. I make time for myself, even if it’s only for fifteen minutes, to relax on my patio or garden to relax and breathe in the fresh air. Don’t let it pass you by… before winter asks the same question.
"There comes a time when autumn asks,
"What have you been doing all summer?"
Author Unknown
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