Self Awareness with help of Conscious Breathing

Hi Friends,

            In the previous blog, I have given some intro about 5(five) basic processes regarding self-awareness. Out of it, breathing is a very common and necessary process for every living thing on earth, this affects our entire routine physically as well as mentally. In today’s fast life we have a lot to do, but this rush creates a conflict between our mind and body. If we choose 30 min. in the morning for ourselves then we enjoy the entire day. Yes, we must do this.

           Look, we are breathing, so why don't we breathe in some unique way so that our whole day will be full of energy. These unique ways of conscious breathing help us to improve self-awareness. According to research, conscious breathing or pranayama has a number of advantages. These enhancements include

• Improves Concentration and Focus
• Increase Oxygen level
• Affects the respiratory System, Improves Lungs Strength 
• Controls Blood pressure
• Change the mood
• Improves metabolism and digestion 

After doing many years of practice pranayams, based on my experiences, I decided, on 3 types of conscious breathing exercises as noted below which keep me full of energy, aware and happy full day. 

1. Kapalbhati:

  In India’s Sanskrit language ‘Kapal denotes Head’ and ‘Bhati denotes Shine’. The practice of this breathing exercise makes you active. This pranayam also makes your face glow and improves memory and concentration.

    

 Way of doing: Sit down comfortable and relax. First - exhale forcefully and quickly, in the second step - inhale slowly (don’t try to inhale do it by the body) i.e. your focus  should be on exhaling, and repeat this process. 

Start it with 5 min & then after a few days of practice you can do it for up to 10 min.    

2. Anulom-Vilom Pranayam:

Alternate Nostril Breathing, This is my favorite breathing exercise I do it in the morning  and in the office sometimes when I feel tired or dizzy and especially on the bed before sleeping.

 

Way of doing: Close Left Nostril by thumb or finger, Inhale Right nostril and exhale left nostril, then Inhale left & exhale right

Do at least 3 – 7 steps in starting or more or less according to your body's stamina. and extend the time span after a few days of practice. You can do this exercise two to three times on your bed, chair in the workplace, or in a garden

3. Bhastrika Prayanam (Bellows Breath):

This pranayam/ breathing exercise improves blood circulation and increases oxygen levels, which relieves stress, depression, and hypertension. Cures nasal and throat infections and increases lung capacity.

Way of doing: Close your eyes, put a smile on your face and inhale with full of lungs and exhale completely again inhale then exhale and increase its speed.

After the practice you can do it upto 5 to 10 min.

Very Important: 

Pregnant ladies and patients with high blood pressure avoid ‘Kapalbhati and Bhastrika’. They should start only with Anulom-Vilom pranayam slowly-slowly two to three times a day.

Consciousness breathing is the first significant step towards self-awareness. Its consistent practice will bring about a radical change in your personality. Your thinking process and understanding of the surroundings will change and it will lead you to peace and never-ending happiness.