Many yogis believe that the practice of pranayama is a way to connect the unconscious to the conscious, therefore integrating the mind, body, and spirit. There are numerous pranayama practices that manipulate the breath in a variety of ways: extending or shortening the lengths of inhalation and exhalation, suspending the breath, or contracting the breath. Pranayama can be part of a daily practice or used to achieve specific results. And it is often recommended that beginners practice more advanced pranayama practices under the guidance of a teacher.

**This episode is the fifth in a sequential series exploring basic principles of yoga philosophy and how you can apply these principles to your daily life. This series is perfect for beginners wanting to learn more about yoga philosophy, as well as yoga practitioners that want to revisit their studies.**

The Eight Limbs of Yoga:

1. Yama : Moral principles 2. Niyama : Personal observances 3. Asanas : Physical postures4. Pranayama : Breathing exercises, and control of prana5. Pratyahara : Control of the senses6. Dharana : Concentration and cultivating inner perceptual awareness7. Dhyana : Devotion, Meditation on the Divine 8. Samadhi : Union with the Divine (today’s focus)

Jamie’s Recommended Resources:

Jamie’s Beginner One-Minute Breath Recording: http://jamiemolnar.com/yoga-use-your-breath/

Jamie’s Favorite Instructions for Nadi Shodhana Breath (Alternate Nostril Breathing): Banyan Botanicals

Next Episode in this Series: An Exploration of Pratyahara, the 5th Limb of Patanjali’s eight-fold path.

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