Finding Balance in the Breath

Did you know that inhaling through your left nostril engages your body’s parasympathetic rest and digest response, signaling relaxation, lower blood pressure, cooling of the body and reduced anxiety? While the right nostril acts as more of an “accelerator”, speeding up circulation, increasing your body temperature, and heart rate- putting your body in a more alert state.

We need both relaxation and acceleration for balance. This is why alternate nostril breathing can be such a great technique.

This guided meditation starts with alternate nostril breathing and goes into a breath awareness practice. Know that it takes a moment to get used to the “choreography” of the breath. As always, follow your body. If you need to return to your nature pace of breathing, do what feels best for you!

Do you find the breath fascinating? If you want to learn even more, read James Nestor’s book, Breath.