Day 10 - You made it! Well done.
Today we learn two breathing techniques and then we meditate together. Yoga is ultimately a mindfulness practise that takes us focuses our attention on our body and our breath. When we can remain in this moment, there is no stress. Only when we allow ourselves to dwell in the past or project into the future do we create stress.

I have always found pranayama, or control of our life force energy, a wonderful way to prepare the body and mind for meditation. We start with Chandra which means moon, or left nostril breathing which stimulates Ida nadi, the main energy channel which ends in our left nostril. This breath is wonderful if you are feeling anxious or stressed for it activates the parasympathetic nervous system, our relax response. It is a cooling and calming breath perfect to do before bed.

Surya means sun in Sanskrit and this breath stimulate pingala nadi, the energy channel which ends in our right nostril. This breath is wonderful if need a pick up or boost of energy. It activated the sympathetic nervous system and our awake and energetic state. It's heating and great to do first thing in the morning to get you set for the day ahead.

Finally we combine both in Nadi Shodana, which means balancing breath for the nadis or energy channels. This is a wonderful technique to do before meditation to prepare your nervous system and body to reach a state of equilibrium. Let me know how you find them and if you have any questions please send me a message.

Breathing Techniques:
Chandra Bedhana - left nostril breathing
Surya Bedhana - right nostril breathing
Nadi Shodana - Alternate Nostril Breathing