Basic Breath Series

Guide to Inner Balance

June 1969

This kriya includes various breathing techniques to energize, clarify, and balance your mind and body. If you are looking for a quick energy boost or increased clarity, practice this series. It is an excellent set for beginners and experienced practitioners alike and will help you observe the relationship between you and your mind. Remember, if you command the breath, you can gain control of where you direct your mind. 

This kriya is excellent to practice before a yoga set as a warm up and preparation for a longer practice. It can be completed in 22-25 minutes, making it ideal for a quick reset.

Modifications:

• Beginners: Use the suggested times for each exercise.
• Intermediate: Increase the duration of exercises 1-4 to 5 minutes each.
• Advanced: Extend the duration of exercises 1-4 to 10 minutes each.

1. Left Nostril Breathing

Posture & Mudra: Sit in Easy Pose (Sukhasana). Form Gyan Mudra with your left hand and rest your left hand on your knee. Raise your right hand with fingers together and palm facing left.

Movement & Breath: Use your thumb to cover your right nostril. Breathe deeply and completely through your left nostril.

Eyes/Drishti: Close your eyes and focus on the Third Eye Point (Ajna Chakra).

Duration: Continue for 3 minutes.

Ending: Inhale, hold the breath for 10-30 seconds, exhale, and relax.