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In the Yoga tradition, prana is considered the first unit of life, the lifeforce. Yogically speaking, however you see and experience your life is a mirror of your prana. Change your prana and your life will change too.
In this CD, I am sharing practices to strengthen the 5 ways prana moves in your body. These are the subvisions of Prana, called the pranavayus. Each has a location within the body, certain physical organs and actions it relates with, and a specific psychological and mental function as follows:
* Pran (or pranavayu) moves inward to the brain center, and/or the heart center. In this meditation the focus is the brain center, and Pran energizes and revitalizes the body, mind, and heart. When Pran is lacking, you'll feel depleted, or drained. When Pran is in good shape, you'll feel you have the inner resources and resiliency to meet whatever's in front of you.
* Samana (or samanavayu)’s movement is inward to the core, where it collects and provides nourishment, integrations, and assimilation, which then spirals through the whole body. When Samana is lacking, you may feel overwhelmed as if your inner cup is too full. When Samana's in good shape, you will have integrated your experiences and whatever you've put into your body and be supported to function well now.
* Apana (or apanavayu)’s movement is downward, collecting near the pelvis and tailbone, and then outward, creating a grounding effect and facilitating elimination and letting go. When Apana is lacking, you may become constipated physically or mentally. When Apana is functioning well, your physical elimination will function properly, and you will let go of the past in a way that frees up your resources for what's happening now.
* Udana (or udanavayu) is upward and expressive movement, and is related to growth, enthusiasm, inspiration and aspiration to evolve and expand, as well to speech. When Udana is lacking, you may lack inspiration or a sense of meaning, and may lack confidence that you can make a difference, or lack a sense of caring. When Udana is in good shape, you are filled with the upward movement of positivity and speaking up for yourself and what you care about.
* Vyana (or vyanavayu) moves expansively in every direction from the heart. Vyana is the distributive force, and the energy which integrates and balances the other pranavayus and the nervous system. When Vyana is lacking, you may feel small, or drawn inward. Your circulation may not function optimally. When Vyan is thriving, you will circulate well and expansively in your life in every way.
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HOW TO PRACTICE
1. Each of the seated practices begins with a specific pranayama, or breathing practice, and a visualization. There is a saying in the Yoga tradition – imagination creates experience. As you listen to each guided meditation, visualize and imagine as vividly as possible. Through dedicated regular practice, you will eventually gain the ability to experience and direct the subtle energy of Prana.
2. If you determine you need or want to strengthen a particular pranavayu, you might choose to listen to that meditation daily for a month or more.
3. If you believe your pranavayus are fairly balanced, and you want to support overall balance, you may choose to do the guided meditation which includes all the pranavyus on a daily basis.
4. In the Himalayan tradition, meditation is traditionally practiced with spine tall – head, neck and trunk in a straight line - rather than in a lounging or reclining position. When you meditate - If possible, sit on the floor or in a chair, with your hips positioned toward the front of the chair rather than leaning back. The result of practicing meditation in this position is that sitting tall strengthens and awakens your body, mind, and energy. If you are physically or mentally depleted or have an injury that prevents you from sitting tall, then be creative in finding another body position that works for you.
And most of all, ENJOY!
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Source: Pranavayu Meditation as taught by ParaYoga(R) and Yogarupa Rod Stryker and the Himalayan Institute.
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