4 min read
Last month we focused more on the third limb on the eight limbs of the yoga path which was asana where we focused on allowing the body to become stronger and flexible, finding poses that were comfortable and a steadiness in the mind. As we mentioned during last month that the physical poses and movements in yoga prepare us for the further limbs on the yoga path such as finding stillness and steadiness when we sit and breathe and meditate. The physical side also allows us to move with more ease and steadiness as we go about our everyday life.
As a fire blazes brightly when the covering of ash over it is scattered by the wind, the divine fire within the body shines in all its majesty when the ashes of desire are scattered by the practice of pranayama.
The next one of the eight limbs of yoga we will be focusing on in this month will be the fourth limb which is Pranayama - Breathing Techniques. In yoga, pranayama is the practice of breath regulation. There are many ways of breathing in yoga and each with a different purpose. The actual meaning of the word Pranayama in Sanskrit is - prana meaning “vital life force”, “yama” meaning “control” and “ayama” meaning “extension” or “expansion”. It is a way to extend and expand our vital life force energy.
The many benefits of pranayama is purification, focusing the mind, steadying the body, it can be used with meditation and mantra chanting and it can help us move towards liberation. Often the easiest way for us to change our mood is to change our breath.
A great way in yoga to connect with prana our life force energy and pranayama – breathing techniques is through the vayus. The word vayu means air, breath or wind. According to the yoga tradition, prana divides into five vayus according to its movement and direction. These vayus govern different areas of the body and different physical and subtle activities. If they function in a harmonious way they improve our heath and vitality. The vayus represent these five important forms of energy that manifest both in the being and the entire universe.
This month each month we will focus on one vayu at a time and bring them into our physical movements, guided visualisations and really focusing on our breath. There will be chances at the beginning and the end of the classes to find stillness within the body to connect with breathing practices. Explore paying attention to each region when you breathe and notice where you feel your breath traveling easily or where you may feel resistance.
Without Asana, Pranayama cannot become accomplished. Without containing Prana, the mind cannot achieve steadiness.
The Five Vayus
Week 1 - Prana Vayu
The direction it moves is inward and upward and relates to the heart and chest region. This is seen as the primary vayu and feeds all the other vayus. It governs the intake our energy especially through the breath. Prana is associated with the inhalation phase of every breath, which draws energy into the body. It moves from the chest to the head and governs the heart and lungs. It plays a vital role in the circulatory system, digestion, and the functioning of the brain.
Week 2 - Apana Vayu
The direction it moves is downward and outward and relates to the pelvic and lower body area. It governs the process of elimination and moves from the lower abdomen and pelvis downward and outward, enabling us to release waste and toxins from the body.
Week 3 - Samana Vayu
The direction it moves is inward toward the center and relates to the navel. It is the energy of digestive assimilation, and balance and is responsible for the inward flow of energy that moves from the navel to the heart. This vayu helps to balance and direct the other vayus, integrating the prana brought in through inhalation and distributing it throughout the body.
Week 4 - Udana Vayu
The direction it moves is upward, and relates to the throat. It is responsible for the upward flow of energy and governs speech, communication, and expression. It moves from the heart to the throat and upward through the head.
Week 5 - Vyana Vayu
The direction it moves to is outward and relates to all over the body. This vayu governs circulation and movement throughout the body. It moves throughout the entire body, ensuring that prana is distributed evenly to all parts. It governs the flow of energy in the joints, muscles, and nervous system.
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This Month’s Music
Here’s a selection of the music that Vicky has been enjoying this month.
| Artist | Title |
|---|---|
| Jai Uttal and Ben Leinbach | Surya |
| Clair Oaks | Music For Yoga Practice |
| Joshua Stoddard and Porter Singer | To All |
| Jai Uttal and Manose | The Hierophant |
| Swami NirvananandaPrem | Prem |
| Radhika Das | Hara Mahadeva |