OUTWARD FACING
At any given moment, our breath can flow predominantly through either nostril. This right-left dimension of our breath was described in detail by the ancient yogis. According to yogic thought, if we breathe more through the right side, we become increasingly alert and gear ourselves toward the external world. Breathing through the left nostril, on the other hand, produces a quieter, more internal psychological state.
If we are reasonably healthy and living in a sensible way, then the flow between one nostril and another follows a regular rhythm. But this can easily be disrupted by irregular sleep, diet or stress (tick, tick, tick). The result is a frayed nervous system, depleted from spending too much time in an outward facing mode (staring at a screen for hours a day, just for example).
Understanding the relationship between our breathing and our nervous system and specific breathing exercises, such as nadi shodhanam (alternate nostril breathing) or chandra bhedana (moon piercing breath) can reorientate our systems towards calm and balance.
One quote…
As breath stills our mind, our energies are free to unhook from the senses and bend inward.
B.K.S Iyengar
One question…
In a world that that demands us to be predominantly outward facing, what tools do you use (or should use) to turn inwards?
Sent with love,
Melissa x