Pranayama is a wonderful method to reduce anxiety. Pranayama originates from two Sanskrit words, “Prana,” which means universal energy, and “Yama,” which means restraint.
In effect, Pranayama is the cultivation of universal energy through breath. You have the ability, within your being, to make sure the energy you cultivate is positive, with the help of Pranayama and a positive mental attitude.
There are many methods for the cultivation of Prana to choose from, but let’s start with a deep natural breath. This is the “breath of infants.” When you watch a baby in the crib, notice how the stomach rises as he or she inhales. Then notice that the navel draws to the spine on an exhale.
This is “natural breath,” but this can often feel unnatural to adults, who have unconsciously been practicing a “half breath” from the diaphragm to the nose or mouth. The half breath does not allow for complete expansion at the bottom of the lungs.
In effect, the half breath method would not be good for Yoga students, who have high blood pressure. Natural breath has wonderful blood pressure benefits, but could not be considered a cure. Why not?
Most people, who learn the natural breathing technique, will not be able to instill this Pranayama method as a regular daily habit; let alone practice it all day, and every day – especially, if the Yoga student in question has a life full of stress.
So, how many times should someone practice natural breath to reduce anxiety? To achieve tranquility, natural breath should be practiced every day, at least eight times per day for 3 to 5 minute sessions. This should yield optimum results within a week, but it must become a habit.
Another way to cultivate positive energy is to reverse the, “Why me,” mindset; how many times have you heard somebody say – “Why me?”
Let’s take a close look at “Why me,” and put a positive “spin” on it. Why are we so lucky? Why do we have Internet access? Why do we live at a time, so full of opportunities?
Many of the most optimistic people, I know, are my Chair Yoga students from within the Providence, Rhode Island area and in the Greater Attleboro, Massachusetts area.
Some of these Yoga students have ailments, diseases, and health conditions such as: Cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, high blood pressure, Parkinson’s, Frederick’s Ataxia Syndrome, and a variety of heart problems.
To practice any form of Yoga, with such grace, and to the best of your ability, is a monumental task. When I hear anyone, who can walk, or easily stand on two feet, make statements such as, “Life isn’t fair” and “I don’t have enough time to take care of my health” – it reminds me of Russell Conwell’s book, “Acres of Diamonds.”
In a “nutshell,” most people do not see how truly lucky they are. Life’s treasures are right under our noses. Those who have faced major obstacles in life are the greatest mentors, guides, and teachers any one of us could ever have.
Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-Book: “Yoga in Practice,” and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
