"Back and Forth"

Back and forth. To and fro.  Left and right.  In and Out.  Feasting and fasting.  Yin and yang.  Ida and pinghala.  There is a rhythm to our steps, our breath, our life! After the plenty experienced during the holidays and family gatherings, the physical body may need to cleanse and purify.  And after an emotional overload (such as the loss of a loved one) the entire nervous system may need a thorough "housecleaning." 

One method of cleansing the nervous system performed by ancient yogis was to practice a breathing technique called "Alternate Nostril Breathing" or Nadi Sodhana in Sanskrit.  The  tubular organs called nerves allow energy or prana to pass to and from the brain, hopefully without obstruction which can cause great discomfort or even paralyze a limb or organ.  The object of this week's yoga practice is to prevent the ensuing disease caused by partial nerve blockage.  If we choose to practice this ancient wisdom, we can improve the quality of our lives so that we are able to be useful servants of God, caring for one another with our unobstructed energy flow from God.  Hold onto the good that enters and don't dance with the devil of doubt. 

• Physically---In order to concentrate on the technique of  "Alternate Nostril Breathing" or Nadi Sodhana, it's imperative to sit comfortably without distractions, in a chair or on the floor in any of the following yoga postures (asanas):

1. "Easy Pose" or Sukhasana described in the May 4, 2010 blog, 
2. "Hero Pose" or Virasana described in the May 27, 2009 blog,
3. "Staff Pose" or Dandasana described in the June 22, 2009 blog, 
4. "Adept's Pose" or Siddhasana described in the October 19, 2009 blog,
5. Or, for those with very open hips, "Lotus Pose" or Padmasana, to be addressed in next week's blog!  (Honest!)

• Once seated comfortably in any of the above postures, begin to observe the quality of each breath, and establish a natural, easy rhythm of breathing through the nose only.  After a deep, three-dimensional (ujjayi) inhalation, using the right hand only, softly curl the index and middle finger into a gentle fist and place the soft outside edge of the ring finger against the left nostril to gently close that opening.  Exhale completely through the right nostril only, and then steadily draw breath through the right nostril before closing it off with the soft outside edge of the right thumb (not using the hard edge of the fingernail.)  During this exhalation and inhalation, the left nostril is completely blocked by gentle pressure of the right ring finger.
• After a full inhalation through the right nostril, gently block it with the thumb and exhale slowly and steadily through the left nostril in order to empty the lungs completely.  Next inhale slowly, steadily and deeply through the left nostril until all four corners of both lungs are completely filled (puraka).  Then adjust the pressure to block the left nostril while opening the right nostril to exhale thoroughly (rechaka).  Inhalations and exhalations should take the same number of seconds/amount of time (sama vritti) for "equal breathing" before adding the advanced techniques with breath retention (kumbhaka) and the internal locks (mula bandha).  
• At first, be satisfied to practice just 6 or 8 rounds of  "Alternate Nostril Breathing" or Nadi Sodhana, which may take five minutes or more.  Never rush this practice!
• Mentally---Be patient with yourself, focusing your undivided attention on the quality and duration of each inhalation and exhalation in order to even out the rhythm of each cycle of breath.  One cycle begins with an inhalation through the right nostril only and ends after the second breath is exhaled through the right nostril.  Counting the rounds of "Alternate Nostril Breathing" requires great concentration, purifying the mind from all other thoughts.
• Spiritually---The spiritual symbolism of each cycle of breath becomes clear as we breathe in the life-giving energy (prana) found in the oxygen molecules, and then we exhale and release the toxic carbon dioxide (apana).  We cannot hold on to both!  We accept life with gratitude; willingly and consciously releasing and surrendering the toxic elements that are life-threatening!  We bring the Spirit of God in, exhale the enemy out!   Breathe faith in, fear out!  Wisdom in, foolishness out!  Our intent when we practice this breathing technique is to remain connected/yoked to the source of "every good and perfect gift from above" and to let all the other junk go!  

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.  For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.  For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord.  A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways."   (James 1:5-8, KJV)

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."   (I John 1:9, KJV)

 So confess all your sins, and then practice "Alternate Nostril Breathing" to be thoroughly cleansed by the only One who is capable of a top-to-bottom, in-and-out cleansing.  

Namaste, plf