BREATH of FIRE
We are in a place in time where the accountability for our actions is of the utmost importance.
We may fall victim to blaming the “other”, but in the end each of us must take responsibility for our perspective and orientation in this world. We have all been born into this planet that unites us, yet crafted by a society that may, or may not, align with our core truth. Transmuting these undesired patterns is our starting point, our unique prescription to evolution.
My first response to COVID was to strengthen myself internally because there were so many unknown factors in the broader world.
From this place I would move consciously with discernment and clarity that best served this being. One of the practices to strengthen my personal sovereignty has been Kundalini Yoga. I share this practice as an offering to help increase your resilience.
The Breath of Fire:
• Rapid, rhythmic and continuous breathing; equal on the inhale and exhale, with no pause between them (approximately 2-3 cycles per second)
• Always practiced through the nostrils with the mouth closed, unless stated otherwise
• Powered from the navel point and solar plexus; to exhale, air is expelled powerfully through the nose by pressing the navel point and solar plexus back toward the spine; this feels automatic if you contract the diaphragm rapidly
• When inhaling, the upper abdominal muscles relax, the diaphragm extends down, and the breath seems to come in as part of relaxation rather than through effort
• Chest stays relaxed and slightly lifted throughout the breathing cycle
• When done correctly, there should be no rigidity of hands, feet, face, or abdomen.
• Begin practicing Breath of Fire for a duration of I-3 minutes. Some people find it easy to do Breath of Fire for a full 10 minutes right away. Others find that the breath creates an initial dizziness or giddiness. If this happens, take a break.
• Some tingling, traveling sensations and light-headedness are completely normal as your body adjusts to the new breath and new stimulation of the nerves. Concentrating at the brow point may help relieve these sensations. Sometimes these symptoms are the result of toxins and other chemicals released by the breath technique. The symptoms may be relieved by drinking lots of water and changing to a light diet.
• Breath of Fire is not hyperventilation, nor is it Bellows Breath
• There are restrictions for doing Breath of Fire while pregnant and menstruating.
Breath of Fire Can Provide these benefits:
• Releases toxins and deposits from the lungs, mucous linings, blood vessels, and other cells
• Expands the lung capacity and increases vital strength
• Strengthens the nervous system to resist stress
• Repairs the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
• Strengthens the navel chakra
• Increases physical endurance and prepares you to act effectively
• Adjusts the subtle psycho-electromagnetic field of the aura so that the blood becomes energized
• Reduces addictive impulses for drugs, smoking, and unhealthy foods
• Increases oxygen delivery to the brain, facilitating a focused, intelligent, and neutral state of mind
• Boosts the immune system and may help prevent diseases
• Promotes synchronization of the body’s biorhythms
Practicing The Breath of Fire:
• Sit straight and place hands in Prayer Pose
• Close eyelids 9/10ths; roll eyes up and concentrate at the Brow Point
• Begin Breath of Fire for I-3 minutes
• Then inhale and hold for 10 seconds
• Relax. Stay still and place hands on knees in Gyan Mudra (thumb and pointer
finger touch), palms up
• Watch the natural flow of breath and constant stream of internal and external
sensations. Continue for 3 minutes
• Inhale deeply, exhale
• Repeat this combination 3-5 times
If you have any questions or would like to practice together, feel free to contact me:
jaimebeechum@gmail.com or 415-318-0626
Bullet points are sourced from 3ho.org