Bhramari Pranayama

Bhramari pranayama: 

looking for ways to further deepen my practice of the fifth limb of yoga, pratyahara, which is means withdrawal of the senses, I've added Bhramari pranayama to my daily rituals, an easy addition that fits seamlessly in with my afternoon meditation session and my pre-bed sleep routine that prepares me for a peaceful nights slumber. This pranayama method derives its name from a black bee located in India and it's a fitting name for a breath that involves a sound similar to the humming of a bee. It has a powerful effect on our physiology, calming the nervous system, lowering blood pressure and heart rate, improving concentration, and perfect to help withdraw the mind from the busyness of the world as I begin to sit in meditation. It's exactly the breath needed at this time -

as I devote myself to pratyahara. 

somethings capture my imagination even after years of being familiar with them, suddenly regaining my attention in a new light of understanding and fascination. It's this way with pratyahara and Bhramari pranayama, both being on the perimeters of a lifelong practices but never fully explored for what they offer on their own. a recent injury has freed me from an attachment to longer asana sessions, no longer being bound to a primary focus on postures, and I find that I'm eager to withdraw from my body and senses, surrendering myself to inner worlds that seem to beckon. 

my yoga now unfolds in a curious direction. 

although I've always been committed to my meditation practice, truly a priority in my life, the fifth limb of yoga has alluded this commitment. My belief was that it would naturally be included through my approach of meditation, that my senses are withdrawn as I;m carried inward by the vibration of my mantra. And this does occur, but there is still a reason that Patanjali listed pratyahara as a separate limb of yoga. So no longer taking anything for granted, I'm eager to give myself to this long ignored branch, completing my practice in all that it offers. Yoga nidra and Bhramari pranayama seem to be the final pieces, and yet I know that isn't really so - life is an endlessly fascinating journey, and my yoga will continue to unfold in new and curious directions. 

~

Peace, Eric