Pranayama

A human being can survive without food for 40 days or more; can survive without water for up to a week, but we die if we do not have air for more than 5-10 minutes! In today's society we do not take the time to breathe properly: I mean, we REALLY do not take much time to notice IF we are breathing, let alone take the time to observe the quality of our breath. We rush from here to there; grab fast lunches on the fly and rush to the next task, panting in our hurry to get to our destination. When we do breathe it is often a shallow breath, concentrated in the upper chest- more closely resembling the breathing pattern of panic or flight.

The most important part of yoga practice is the ability to breathe deeply and fully. Proper breathing is vital to our health, mental focus and sense of calm.

In this free, introductory class, Kavita guides you through simple techniques to bring fullness to your breath; these techniques are useful both on and off the yoga mat. Bring the Yoga of the Breath with you wherever you go Duration: 7 min

Ancient yogis discovered that we don't breathe through both nostrils at the same time and that each of our nostrils share characteristics of brain hemisphere dominance: for instance, when we breathe through the left nostril, the right side of the brain (creativity) is dominant and when we breathe through the right nostril our left brain (logic) is dominant . Duration 4 min

This quick, refreshing pranayama instantly lifts your spirits and clears your mind of negative thoughts and tension. The first portion of this practice is a breathing exercise, followed by a Zen inspired relaxation sequence using small stone to help focus your concentration (you may also use a crystal, bead or other small sacred object). Be sure to chose your object before you begin this practice, so you have it easily at hand. Duration: 8 min

The Retained breath is an extension of the Full Yogic Breathand serves two basic functions: it strengthens the lungs and allows them to clean out old oxygen, giving rise to a fuller, more energizing breath. This deeper breathing also benefits the nervous system and improves digestion. Kavita guides you through this short tutorial. Duration: 7 min

This pranayama exercise is great for clearing negativity from the mind and the body, ventilating the lungs and cleansing the system. This is also known as the Whistle Breath, due to the sound you make while inhaling and the fact that you purse your lips as though you are about to whistle.

You can do this pranayama in either a standing or seated position. For the greatest results, do this breath at the end of your practice, just prior to Svasana; your asana practice will loosen up any toxins and negativity in the body and this breath will help release them.

This breath is called Kapalabhati in Sanskrit - 'Kapala' means skull and 'Bhati' means to clean or shine. This pranayama is very purifying and stimulating.

Sometimes in our day-to-day life we get a bit hot-headed about things - even the coolest cucumber occasionally feels hot under the collar. The cooling breath is designed to do just what it suggests - cool the body, mind and spirit. Duration: 5 min

We are all born knowing how to breath from our bellies; if listen to a baby crying or a child’s happy yelling you will appreciate the fullness of breath involved in making such a lot of noise! However, over time we unlearn this good breathing behaviour and breath mostly from our middle and upper chest. As we move through life and its stresses, we don’t pay attention to our breathing, and deprive ourselves of oxygen and clear focus.

Padma, one of Canada’s leading meditation instructors, guides you through this meditation that brings you back to breath awareness. This meditation is Part II of Padma Meditations Breathing series. In the quiet space you create for your meditation practice you will once again learn how to breathe from your belly, increasing oxygen to the brain, clearing the mind and reducing stress. A calm mind with gentle focus can make your day less stressful. Duration: 15min

Combining the meditation and breathing techniques taught in the previous parts of our Padma Meditation series, this meditation builds on calming the mind to increase calm and awareness as you follow your breath’s natural rhythm. You can use these breathing techniques at any time during the day when you need a moment to ground your energy and clear your mind.

Explore the depth of your mind, the wide variety of your thoughts, until you find your center and listen to the humming of Pamaree – the little black bumblebee – this is the sound of your inner energy. Padma will guide you through a vocal meditation that brings you to the seat of your awareness, and the peace of your inner silence. Saturate your whole body with vibrations of light, health, peace and vitality- and take time for your Self. Duration: 22min

In this short tutorital, Kavita shows you how to do just that - breathe deep and breathe easy for a more complete yoga practice. Duration: 7 min

This pranayama exercise is great for clearing negativity from the mind and the body, ventilating the lungs and cleansing the system. This is also known as the Whistle Breath, due to the sound you make while inhaling and the fact that you purse your lips as though you are about to whistle.

You can do this pranayama in either a standing or seated position. For the greatest results, do this breath at the end of your practice, just prior to Svasana; your asana practice will loosen up any toxins and negativity in the body and this breath will help release them. Duration: 5 min

Ianna will guide you through this pranayama which creates a bellows style action in the chest and abdomen that is both purifying and energizing. Duration: 8 min