Act, Don’t React

January 17, 2000

This kriya is said to cultivate a calm, contained, and proactive state of being, allowing you to choose actions thoughtfully, rather than reacting impulsively. The whistling inhale draws in vital pranic energy, while the Cannon Fire exhale powerfully expels unneeded energies, cleansing and renewing your system.

Practicing this kriya daily can strengthen your connection to Pavan Guru (the wisdom of the breath) and enhance your ability to value your breath, environment, and projection. Over time, this respect for your own life force may be reflected in the respect others show you.

Practicing this kriya daily for 11 minutes is said to create significant shifts in your personality and perception, helping you remain grounded and in control. It also deepens your connection to the pranic life force, supporting creativity, clarity, and self-mastery. Over time, you may notice enhanced self-respect, inner calm, and reciprocal respect from those around you.

Illustration of Helen sitting in easy pose doing the Act, Don't React Posture

Posture & Mudra:

Sit in Easy Pose (Sukhasana) with a straight spine and a light Neck Lock (Jalandhara Bandha) applied. Lifting your elbows off of your ribs, bring your forearms to a 45-degree angle above parallel with the palms facing down. Form Gyan Mudra on both hands, keeping the wrists straight.

Eyes/Drishti:

Closed.

Breath:

  • Inhale deeply through puckered lips with a whistle, taking 3–4 seconds.
  • Hold the breath for 3–4 seconds.
  • Exhale powerfully with Cannon Fire, through the mouth. Keep the cheeks firm and avoid bulging as the breath moves forcefully over the tongue.

Duration:

Continue for 11 minutes.

Ending:

  1. Inhale deeply and suspend your breath for 10–15 seconds while stretching the spine and tightening every fiber of your body.
  2. Exhale forcefully using Cannon Fire.
  3. Repeat this sequence two more times.
  4. Relax completely.