Have you ever noticed that during Pranayama, your guru might ask you to imagine the breath entering your body, going Prana into your organs like kidney, liver, heart and brain? And you may follow this guidance without questioning it, using your imagination to enhance your experience. However, if someone were to tell you to imagine your food going into your hands, brain, and all over your body while eating, you might consider it foolishness.
It's rare to find someone who would perform such actions while eating, but during Pranayama, we can easily follow such guidance. This may be because we don't use our logical mind while practicing Pranayama. Perhaps this is why we struggle to find a solution.
When we eat, our primary focus is on the taste of the food, not where it's going or not going. Similarly, during Pranayama, the priority is to experience the breath, not imagine it. When we practice Pranayama with a better experience, the result follows naturally. Any troubles or imbalances in the body will be corrected on their own.
Here are a few additional tips on Pranayama which are also important to follow.
Practice on an empty stomach: Pranayama should ideally be done on an empty stomach, preferably early in the morning. If you have eaten recently, wait for at least 2-3 hours before practicing.
Start slow and gradually increase the duration: Begin with short durations of Pranayama, maybe 5-10 minutes, and gradually increase the duration as you become comfortable with the practice.
Practice regularly: Like any other form of exercise, consistency is key. Practice Pranayama regularly, preferably every day, to experience its benefits.
Choose a peaceful environment: Find a quiet and peaceful environment to practice Pranayama. It can be a room in your home, a park, or any other place where you can sit and practice without any disturbances.
Consult a qualified instructor: If you are new to Pranayama or have any health concerns, it's best to consult a qualified instructor who can guide you through the practice and suggest modifications based on your individual needs.
Copyright - by Yogi Anoop Academy