Free as Air

On the road to freedom what we tend to call transitions are challenging times of change. What makes them even more so, according to positive psychologist Maria Sirois, are the beliefs we carry about them, as well as the actions we fail to take when we’re in the thick of change.

Depression

Depression can feel like the opposite of what we know as freedom or a true sense of being at ease. When we have freedom of movement to breath quietly, with ease, we note comfort in the body and quietness, a peace in the mind. At times, breathing can be challenging, even a struggle as we may have developed patters of breathing over time to control or suspend uncomfortable feelings, memories or sensations.

Calm

To be calm, to navigate a range of emotions without fear of disappaearing down a rabbit hole and wondering how we got there, or even worse, how to get out is the question. And, it is most likely that we have all been there.

Breath

So sometimes, the most important thing in a day is the rest we take between two breaths. This is a most basic practice. Try it now. Inhale deeply and rest quietly on the hover, where the breath continues to enter the lungs in an extremely fine flow. It is here we may observe a quietness, a pause, a sense of suspension, a short rest, before the breath naturally turns and falls out as a gentle exhalation. Try it again, emphasising the exhalation with an audible sigh.

Meditation

Observing this pause between the breaths is what the ancient rishis and yogis call the space of no thought. When observed with regularity, over time the in breaths and out breaths become less evident and the short pause between each breath appears to expand, becoming longer and longer as if the breath were in some kind of suspension. Observing changes in breath patterns is a purposeful meditation. Observing the breath is one of the ways to access the contemplative state of meditation.

When the breath feels like it is in suspension it is  known as Kaivala kumbhaka, spontaneous retention of breath where it appears that both the inhalation and exhalation cease, bringing stillness to to body, mind and senses. It is described in the ancient yoga text, Patajalis Yoga Sutras, as the principle objective of pranayama practice.

Pranayama

Pranayama, prana means life force, yama is to restrain or re-shape. Pranayama is a yogic practice of observing different patterns of breathing used to balance and/or increase energy and the ability to think clearly, and it may reduce stress to improve both physical and mental health. Pranayama may be energising and calm to settle the mind or forceful ans fast bringing in heat in su8pport of a more dynamic approach.

Observing quiet Practices, the foundation of a yoga practice

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