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RAMAKRISHNA ANANDA

Working With Your Life Force

Increasing your prana (life force) is key to vitality, well-being and better relationships

The fourth level of Patanjali’s Eightfold Path is pranayama, working with the life force. Yogis recognize the importance of prana (life force) which gives us life and the ability to be active physically, mentally and emotionally. Explore various types of pranayams which can bring more vital energy into your life.

All Yogas

Bliss Lives in the Spine

Pranayama is working with the life force. A common misunderstanding is that pranayamas are breathing practices. The yogic viewpoint is that they involve working with the life force often with the help of the breath. Yogis use pranayama to develop, strengthen and direct the life force.

One breath practice is the alternate breath. The technique is to focus the attention in the spine while breathing first through one nostril and then the other. The goal is to bring the left and right sides of the spine into harmony, awakening the central spine called the corridor of enlightenment. This breath practice also stimulates activity in the spinal chakras (energy centers). At first you may only imagine it. Gradually you begin to notice the movement of energy in the spine. Ultimately, yogis discover that bliss lives in the spine.

  • Prana (life force) is the energy which maintains our life and expresses through us
  • Pranayama, working with the life force, is often done using the breath
  • There are many yoga techniques for developing the life force
  • Pranayama practices should be comfortable. Stop if you are ever uncomfortable
  • Yogis seek to be aware of and appreciate the life force during their daily activities
  • Pranayama practices stimulate energy movement in the spine and chakras (energy centers)

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