Pranayama is a Yogic method for harnessing or restraining energy through breathing. Many Yoga teachers explain the concept of Pranayama, in detail, to the public, because breathing is often taken for granted. To put it quite simply, most people do not breathe properly, but many of them claim to know how to breathe and they see Pranayama practice as a waste of time.
After all, everyone has been breathing throughout life, right? If a Yoga practitioner with decades of experience has to remind him or herself to control breath on a daily basis; how is the rest of humanity breathing?
Most people breathe in a short, choppy, and uncontrolled manner, without filling the lungs to capacity. This cycle repeats itself daily, which contributes to the development of many ailments, health conditions, diseases, and emotional problems.
In relation to anger management, a short, choppy, and uncontrolled breath will encourage temper tantrums. It will enhance an environment of irritability. This is like walking around with a loaded, "hair-trigger" revolver, without a safety mechanism, and expecting it not to go off some day.
In fact, improper breathing is a recipe for emotional disaster. Pranayama has many purposes. Pranayama is able to control anger and emotional turmoil. We instinctively take a deep breath or sigh during stressful times, but how often do we really listen to our instincts? If people listened to instinct and intuition more often, the lines at the doctor's office would be shorter.
One way to test this is to practice Pranayama the next time you feel anger. Before you say a word to retaliate, practice Pranayama. Which method you choose depends upon how many people are around you.
If you are being "taken to task," in a business meeting, you may want to practice a slow and deep breath, which does not indicate your level of stress. One example of a slow and deep breath is Dhirga Pranayama (three part breath).
If you are alone Brahmari, Udgeeth, Ujjayi, Kapalabhati, Bastrika, or Sitali Pranayama are options, which make a bit more noise, but each has its place, when considering a method for mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health. Each of us is emotionally different, but one or two of the above mentioned Pranayama techniques will relieve anger, frustration, and irritability.
The best choice can be determined by practicing Pranayama on a daily basis and finding out, which method is the most effective for you. So, why do people spend millions of dollars on prescriptions to make them feel less angry? Air is free, and when anything is free, people see it as worth nothing.
What a shame, because common sense, intelligence, love and friendship are free too. These are priceless treasures and so is air. Without air, the earth as we know it would not exist.
© Copyright 2007 - Paul Jerard/Aura Publications
Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. riyoga.com riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
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