Conscious Breathing With Three-Part-Breath.

Three-Part Breath is often the first breathing technique taught to new yoga practitioners, it teaches you to breathe fully and completely.

The “three parts” are the abdomen, diaphragm, and chest. During Three-Part Breath, you first completely fill your lungs and chest. During Three-Part Breath, you first completely fill your lungs with air, as though you are breathing into your belly, ribcage, and upper chest.

Then you exhale completely, reversing the flow, repeat a few times.

Benefits of the practice:

Ineffective breathing is a common problem in today’s modern world, compounded by poor posture and long periods of sitting or driving.

When you breathe shallowly (called “chest breathing”), the air only enters your upper chest and very little enters your lower chest.

This causes a lack of oxygen to your blood vessels, which can create strain on your heart and lungs.

Learning to breathe deeply will increase your oxygen supply, which, in turn, will help to decrease stress and anxiety levels.

Additionally, focusing on your body during Three-Part Breath brings awareness to the present moment and calms your mind. Which is a quick and effective technique to practice mindfulness.

According to studies, you can inhale and exhale up to seven times as much air (and oxygen and prana) during a three-part breath than in a shallow, chest-based breath.

This deep breathing is the foundation for other yogic exercises, such as meditation and cleansing kriyas.

Three-Part Breath is often used at the very beginning of a yoga practice to settle in and prepare oneself for practice and meditation.

This technique is particularly beneficial in everyday life because it requires no special sound or position to achieve a grounded and relaxed state of awareness.

When the breath wanders the mind also is unsteady. But when the breath is calmed the mind too will be still, and the yogi achieves long life. Therefore, one should learn to control the breath.

Let’s do a brief pranayama practice:

Allow youself to pause and connect with your breath.

Bring your attention at the present moment.

Grab a seat or get yourself comfortable.

Close your eyes gently. Feel your feet grounding to the earth like a tree.

Set your watch or clock timer for three minutes.

Soften your face and bring your tongue towards the roof of your mouth, behind the front teeth.

Take a short inhalation throughout your nose from the belly area, without exhaling take another inhalation from your lungs area (keep retaining your breath), take another inhalation from your upper chest area, imagine that your are inhaling from your shoulders.

Now begin to exhale from your upper chest, from your lungs area (imagine that you are cleansing your heart from any tension or sorrow), and allowing yourself to let go anything that doesn’t have to stay within your cells tissue exhale from your belly area.

Begin to inhale from your belly area and keep repeating the above guidance during three minutes.

Last but not least:

“Deep breaths are little love notes to your body.”

Author:
Glenda Lee Santos; Humble Military and Yoga Warrior; Criminal Justice, BA; Holistic Practitioner with Foundation in Yoga and Ayurveda; Reiki Master; Spirit Guide Coach; Master Resilience Trainer.

The Mind As Your Best Instrument đź§ 

Hey there beautiful Souls,

Have you heard the word Mantra?

I remember during my Yoga’s Teachers Training when the Samadhi Yoga Institute director, mentioned that to me and I even got scared wondering about What is she talking about?

Well based on Deepak Chopra, (the New Age Wellness Guru), this word consists of two parts.

‘ Man’ means mind in Sanskrit

‘ tra’ means instrument

So mantra is no other that “the instrument of the mind.”

Very powerful words, sound or vibrations that can be used for meditation.

Meditation is a practice to train the mind as such to elevate our levels or dimension of consciousness. It promotes relaxation of mind and body, develops compassion, patience, love, concentration and generosity.

Meditation Benefits

Meditation many a times involves repeating a mantra with closed eyes. Mantras for meditation are chosen based on its suitability to the meditator. Some schools provide their students a personal mantra based on their time and birth date’s information.

Transcendental meditation is the purest form of meditation that creates a powerful state of awareness by thought process or mind control, having a personal mantra as a key.

Meditation has a calming effect on an individual and imparts peace and tranquility.

Mantras provide the mind something to focus on. Mantras resonate and create a sensation with the body.

The subtle vibrations in turn resonate a positive energy within self and the surrounding.

Repetitive chanting of mantras plays a major role in de-cluttering the mind.

Meditation with mantras is a powerful way to penetrate the silence of mind and create harmony. The mental vibrations allow the mind to experience deep awareness and lead to the field of pure consciousness.

Mantras help us disconnect from the thoughts and worries in our mind and slip them into the gaps between these thoughts.

Chanting of spiritual mantras holds the key to transforming an individual.

How mantras activate a sense of mindfulness:

They certainly bring us back into the present moment, silences mental turbulence, reduces anxiety and creates clarity of thoughts.

I recommend to choose a mantra that is easy to remember, that fits your belief system, and makes you feel at peace.

Also affirmations can work as mantras, if feeling discomfort with Sanskrit chanting.

However mantras are sacred prayers that can be chanted for inner peace and calmness all through the life.

As such can assist us while embracing any type of heartbreak or grieving process.

Each mantra induces some specific vibrations in the mind.

Which means that all mantras do not work equally well.

Keep in mind that there are different mantras used for the purpose of specific objectives.

Mantras for your choice:

I Am that I Am: 

This mantra has its place in the Hebrew Bible. The most famous lines in the Torah that was God’s answer to Moses, when the later asked what his name was.

Om or Aum: 

This mantra represents the most elemental sound of universal consciousness. This mantra has been used by people for thousands of years for expansion of their divine awareness.

Om Mani Padme Hum: 

O radiant jewel in the lotus of my heart, please shine brightly. May may my heart have the strength to feel compassion for all sentient beings.

This is a Tibetan Buddhist mantra. It is said that all the teachings of Buddha are incorporated in this mantra.

Heart of Perfect Wisdom:

Gate Gate Paragate Parasamgate Bodhi Svaha

May I be blessed to experience the beyond and have a taste of the state of enlightenment. In this state of emptiness may I find wisdom and compassion.

This is very helpful during transition, letting go and moving on.

Gayatri Mantra: 

Om bhur bhuvah svah tat savitur varenyam bhargo devasya dhimahi dhiyo yo nah pracodayat.

I like and chant the Gayatri Mantra while my practitioners are laying down in relaxation mode during savasana supported by Tibetan or Crystal bowls healing sounds.

Actually, Gayatri is recited by a spiritual aspirant to remember the higher purpose of life, also as invocation or prayer to God to lift our consciousness upwards.

Shiva Mantra: 

Om namah shivaya.

is a love song, to ourselves. A love song we sing to our own deepest inner nature. In this mantra we recognize that we are the source, like a hologram, a piece of god that also represents the whole.

In the Siddha yoga lineage (from which this chant comes) it is considered to be the king of all mantras.

The intelligent field of conscious energy of which the universe is made, and concentrates into the dense form we know of as matter, is represented by the god Shiva. Shiva is the totality. To us in the western culture would be our Supreme source or God.

Ganesh Mantra: 

Om gam ganapataye namaha.

is a devotional chant believed to ensure success, especially when starting or seeking a new job or endeavor.

When needing inner peace and happiness:

Shanti Mantra: 

Om saha naavavatu saha nau bhunaktu saha veeryam karavaavahai tejasvi aavadheetamastu maa vidvishaavahai om.

Shanti mantra is often recited before and after Hindu religious rituals. In yoga, a simple “om shanti” or “om shanti, shanti, shanti” may be recited as a greeting or parting salutation and for the purpose of removing distractions and focusing the mind.

Shanti mantra is also a prayer or chant for peace, particularly as found in the ancient scriptures known as the Upanishads. The term comes from the Sanskrit, shanti, meaning “peace”; and mantra, meaning “incantation,” “prayer” or “song of praise.”

Mantra for Happiness:

Lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu.

May all beings be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and freedom for all.

A Ho’oponopono, ancient Hawaiian mantra.

I love you, I’m sorry, Please forgive me, Thank you: 

Mantra tips:

• Chanting the selected mantra minimum of 108 times.

• Find a mala beads 📿 to count your mantras, very similar to praying the rosary within the catholic religion.

There are many others you can try too.

Indeed, a mantra should resonate within your mind and soul.

The above list are just a few but are the most popular.

Try them and soon you’ll be able to find the one mantra that will become a part of your life.

Also the practice of Pranayamas ( breathing exercises) at the beginning of your meditation, help you prepare your mind for the mantra chanting. Click at below link for further information.

BREATH IS LIFE

Last but not least;

“Quiet the mind and the Soul will speak.”

Namaste 🙏🏼

Author:

Glenda Lee Santos; Humble Military and Yoga Warrior; RYT-200 hrs; Criminal Justice, BA; Holistic Practitioner with Foundation in Yoga and Ayurveda; CAI; CAHP; CCR; CCHP; CACR; SGC; MRT.

All Cruelty Springs From Weakness…

There is a natural law of justice and an universal law of Brotherhood.

Greatest good comes from wisdom virtue of what cannot be controlled.

When playing the role or roles we are allotted serenely without complaining; our attitudes are under our control even if destiny is not.

Self control and fortitude is an effective way of mastering destructive emotions; for that encourages inner resilience skills to overcome adversity in life.

Learn to connect with your breath, if you give a try to the practice of different types of breath you will learn how to master the autonomous sympathetic nervous system.

The autonomic nervous system functions to regulate the body’s unconscious actions.

The sympathetic nervous system’s primary process is to stimulate the body’s fight or flight response.

It is, however, constantly active at a basic level to maintain homeostasis homeodynamics.

The sympathetic nervous system is described as being complementary to the parasympathetic nervous system which stimulates relaxation reflex responses.

Such as;

• Feed and breed”

• To rest and digest”

The above two are just a few examples, but there are more that would extremely extend the purpose of this writing.

There are several articles about the importance of the quality during breath connection and synchronization to our daily flow of physical and emotional tasks.

I encourage you to search through the menu and refer to the Breath is Life area where are provided different types of breath, benefits and instructions to their practice.

Last but not least;

God is a rational substance existing in all of nature…

“When you inhale you are taking the strength from God… When you exhale it represents the service you are giving to the world.”-Iyengar

Author:

Glenda Lee Santos; Humble Military and Yoga Warrior; RYT-200 hrs; Criminal Justice, BA; Holistic Practitioner with Foundation in Yoga and Ayurveda; CAI; CCR; CACR; SGC.

The Quieter You Become…The More You Can Hear.

Meditation is like a daily SPA to our mind.Please refer to the menu and visit Meditation and Breath is Life for further guidance.

There are numerous benefits of meditation:

1.  Good concentration

2.  Improvement in communication
3.  An unshakeable inner strength
4.  Healing

5.  Clarity of perception

6.  Blossoming of skills and talents

7.  Relaxation, rejuvenation, and good luck are all natural results of meditating regularly.

8. The ability to connect to an inner source of energy

9.   A calm mind


The following Tips might help you embrace this practice: 

Choose a convenient time and place
Sit comfortably with a light stomach

Start with some warm-up exercises, deep breaths

Smile and more…

How to meditate

Choose a clean, distraction-free spot or room in your home, though you can do it sitting in your chair at the office during lunch-hour, too! If it is at home, it is better not to use this space for any other activity.

Ensure the lighting is soothing  and the ventilation sufficient – and the noise-levels under control.

You can listen to guided meditations, but it is better to start with a group.

Begin with a 21 days meditation challenge, if you do it with a group it will become a wonderful experience where everyone will support and encourage each other.

There has been researched by mental health specialists (from Harvard University as an example) that it takes 21 days for the brain to develop cellular memory and retain or quit a behavioral pattern.

Meditate at the same time every day, so it becomes a sustainable routine. Early morning is an optimal time.

Don’t overdo it. Start by meditating for 10-15 minutes. Keep a timer

Shut up – the cellphone. 

Tell your family you are on Do Not Disturb mode for a short spell of time, till your meditation is over.

Wearing comfortable clothes, will certainly help.

Blessings with Love and Light 

Glenda ⚜️


Recover and Re-engage After A Storm…


Activate your inner Resilience with the following Affirmations:

Begin by closing your eyes, now listen to your breath…

Keep your mouth close, (inhaling through your nose, while keeping the tip of your tongue reaching the roof of your mouth) now slowly exhale through your nose.

Can you feel the ocean within?

That’s your victorious breath (Ujjayi /Sanskrit) breath.

You are about to enjoy the calming sensation of letting go…

Begin with the following thought; 

I inhale the present, I exhale the past…

I focus on my breath, hence I am alive.

I declare existence of the skill to let go and embrace moving out from the shadows.

I manifest getting through it, it’s just a matter of time and learning.

I will bounce back reversing my warrior only with renew energy and inspiration.


Life is not about never falling…

It is about our inner ability to stand up and rise 🦅

Now keeping yourself calm and collected, repeat…

I am embracing peace…

I am a beloved child of heaven, hence I’m a Warrior of the light…

I will not judge, I will be grateful for my breath, for my life…

I am still standing to keep myself on track and serve those undergoing stronger struggles.




Last but not least,  “May the force be with you”.

Namaste 🙏🏻 
Author:
Glenda Lee Santos; Humble Military and Yoga Warrior; RYT-200 hrs; Criminal Justice, BA; Holistic Practitioner with Foundation in Yoga and Ayurveda; CAI; CCR; CACR; SGC.