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RAMAKRISHNA ANANDA

Working With Your Life Force

Increasing your 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) — that which gives us life itself 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 means controlling or working with the life force. A common misunderstanding is that pranayamas are only breathing practices. The yoga focus is on the life force, often using breath techniques as an aid.

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 prana on the left and right sides of the spine into greater harmony, improving respiration and opening the central spine — 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 actual 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 means controlling, directing or working with the life force. Pranayama is often practiced using the breath to connect with and direct the life force
  • There are many yoga techniques for developing the prana
  • Pranayama practices should be comfortable. Stop if there is discomfort
  • Yogis seek to appreciate and be aware of this life force throughout the day
  • Pranayama practices stimulate energy movement in the spine, chakras (energy centers), and various internal systems

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