Day 20 of the 30 day meditation. Yoga Pranayama (Breathing exercise).

 

Since breathing is one of the key components to clearing the mind during meditation, today's meditation makes perfect sense...for the most part.  I learned today about anulom vilom pranayama, a type of breathing technique used in yoga that is supposed to be helpful for beginners. 

 

I am not exactly sure how to write about today's lesson or even how to comment on it, since I am still new to this, but it was a fascinating exercise and one I think might be good for one to utilize every few days to balance your body and strengthen your lungs. We breathe everyday, so why not be good to that internal breathing machine?

 

This exercise is a little different and lasts for close to twenty minutes. I think that is to build a steady rhythm.  I would do it for as long as you feel the need, unless of course you know yoga, then do it for the amount of time the instructor believes to be a good amount of time.  Honestly, Yoga is something I have always wanted to try, so this is a good start, since breathing is an essential to not only staying alive (haha),  but also in yoga.

 

The exercise:  This exercise alternates between both nostrils, so breathe in through one nostril and exhale through the other, alternating the blockage of each passageway to do so.  Be sure the exhalation is a little longer than the inhalation. Breathe in through the left, exhale through the right nostril.  Breathe in through the right nostril, exhale through the left and continue this for as long as you feel necessary, not to exceed twenty minutes.This exercise can also help with your health and of course, bringing inner peace. 

 

I admit, day twenty has left me a little lost on how to write about this particular meditation, so I will say this, try it and see what you think.  See how you feel and if it is for you or not.  I like it.  It's weird alternating plugging my nostrils, but it does work and if it helps strengthen my lungs, my respiratory system, my circulatory system and helps my metabolism pick up, then what the heck, I'll keep doing it. 

 

Until tomorrow...don't be afraid to not understand everything, because eventually someone who does, can explain it to you. :D