The Kosha Series – An introduction to Pranamayakosha (2/5)

Last week I introduced the concept of the koshas and gave an insight into the first kosha – Annamayakosha. If you didn’t catch that post, I would suggest starting there.

Embracing the Breath: A Journey into Pranamayakosha

This morning, as the sun peered through my curtains, my little man was already asking if he could go put cartoons on, I found myself sitting up in my bed focused on the gentle rhythm of my breath. With each inhale and exhale, I felt a profound sense of connection, a quieting of the busy mind, and a subtle surge of energy coursing through my being.

For me, the breath has been an important part of my journey inward. It’s been my anchor in moments of chaos, my guide in times of uncertainty, and my source of energy when I have felt completely drained but had so much to do and focus on. And today, as I delved deeper into my practice, weaving together mantras, mudras, and visualizations of energy flowing through my chakra system, I was reminded once again of the profound power inherent within each breath.

You see, my relationship with the breath isn’t just about the physical act of breathing; it’s about tapping into the subtle currents of prana, or life force energy. It’s about exploring the intricate connection between body, mind, and spirit. It’s that feeling of oneness.

My love for working with the energetic body hasn’t been about just Yoga. My journey into energy work has been an interesting one. Years ago, I embarked on my Reiki training, delving into the subtle realms of healing and transformation. Later, I found myself drawn to Rahanni healing, another energy-based practice centered around the heart chakra, where love and compassion flow freely. I had a much deeper connection to this one and even went on to work with clients in bringing some more balance in to their energetic body.

Working with the energetic body has been a profound and deeply rewarding experience for me, opening doors to realms of consciousness I never knew existed. And while some may dismiss these practices as “airy fairy”, I’ve found my experience of working with them for myself and hearing others experiences to be very real and very powerful.

But perhaps the most accessible gateway to this realm of inner exploration lies right under our noses – quite literally. The breath, with its rhythmic ebb and flow, serves as a bridge between the tangible and the intangible, the seen and the unseen. It’s a constant reminder that within each inhale lies the potential for renewal, and within each exhale, the opportunity for release.

So, whether you’re drawn to the subtle nuances of energy work or simply seeking a moment of peace, I invite you to join me in embracing the breath – your faithful companion on the journey inward.

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Nurturing Well-being Through Breath: Exploring Pranamayakosha with Children

With so many things going on for our little ones, school, activities, homework, chores, social engagements etc, it’s easy to overlook the power that lies within each breath – especially for our little ones.

Growing up is tough. And the world can feel a bit all over the place (even for us grown ups). Look what our kids just went through in 2020! Like who could have seen that coming? There is so much going on, it’s no wonder that many children find themselves feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected from their inner selves.

But what if I told you that the key to finding peace and balance lies with them. Breathwork, a cornerstone of Pranamayakosha, offers a simple yet profound tool for children and their grown-ups to navigate the ups and downs of life with grace and resilience.

At its core, breathwork is about more than just inhales and exhales; it’s about cultivating a deep sense of self-awareness, resilience, and emotional regulation. By teaching children to tune into their breath, we empower them to tap into a wellspring of inner resources that can help them navigate life’s challenges with greater ease.

But the benefits of breathwork extend far beyond the individual – they ripple out to encompass the entire family unit. When parents and caregivers join their children in exploring the magic of the breath, they not only model healthy coping mechanisms but also deepen their bond through shared experiences of presence and connection.

Imagine a bedtime routine where, instead of begging your child to go to sleep already, you and your child come together in a gentle practice of breathwork, winding down the day with ease and tranquility. Picture a family hike where, as the birds sing and a gentle breeze rustles in the trees, you all take a moment to pause and breathe deeply, grounding yourselves in the present moment.

By weaving breathwork into your day, you can create a supportive environment where children and grown-ups alike can thrive – physically, mentally, and emotionally.

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1. 

   […] body is not separate from the mind or spirit, it’s part of a larger system that includes the koshas…

2. 

   […] both feel when a big emotion comes: “I am feeling overwhelmed right now. I’m going to try bumblebee breath…

3. 

   […] terms of yoga it all comes down to the Kosha System. This is 5 layers of our being that…

4. 

   […] emotions feel overwhelming, simple breathwork—like extending my exhales or practicing Bee Breath (Bhramari)—helps shift my nervous system from fight-or-flight…

5. 

   […] To learn more about the Koshas check out this previous post: What are the Koshas? Understanding these 5 layers…