Ujjayi Pranayama

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• Ujjayi Pranayama: All about ocean breathing…

• Our Gift To You: 30-Day Yoga Weight Loss Challenge…

• Yogapedia: Scorpion Pose…

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TODAY'S LEARNING
Ocean Breath: Ujjayi Pranayama

Ujjayi Pranayama is also known as the ocean-sounding breath because it causes you to gently contract your tongue during each inhalation and exhalation, creating an ocean sound. The hissing breath or the victorious breath are other names for the ujjayi pranayama. The English translation of the Sanskrit word "ujjayi" is "to conquer" or "to be victorious." This is consistent with the way in which this breathing technique raises heat, prana, vitality, focus, and concentration. According to ancient yogic texts, Ujjayi breathing enables a yogi to triumph over sickness and death.

How to practice Ujjayi breathing

This pranayama is done through the nose, but it is helpful to begin practicing breathing through the mouth.

• Begin in a comfortable seated position, such as an Easy pose or an Accomplished pose. Feel your spine long, and your chest open but have your body relaxed and your eyes soft or gently closed. Allow your jaw and your tongue to relax, and let your mouth drop open slightly.

• Inhale and exhale through your mouth, using deep diaphragmatic breathing. To make the ocean sound, whisper the syllable “h,” feeling the contraction in your throat. Keep this contraction engaged on the inhalation and exhalation. After a couple of breaths, try to close the mouth, breathing through the nose while still making the ocean sound in your throat.

• Work on creating a soothing and pleasing ocean sound and on increasing the length of your inhalation and exhalation. Do not strain or force the muscles in the neck. Gently and patiently explore and notice how to change the sound.

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TODAY'S POSITIVE NEWS

China has built a solar farm capable of powering 1.5 million homes.

The Ningxia Hui array, which boasts a 1 million kilowatt capacity and can produce 1.8 billion kilowatt-hours annually, is the first of several enormous renewable energy projects planned for development in the arid western regions such as the Gobi, Tengger, and Taklamakan deserts.

According to China Energy Investment Corp., it is the country's first solar farm to have an ultrahigh-voltage power transmission channel that will deliver the electricity generated there to the province's heart.

ZEN STORY
Focus On The Present & Then Learn To Let Go

One day while Zen monk Tanzan and a young monk were traveling, they came to a river with a strong current. As they were preparing to cross the river, they saw a young lady in distress also attempting to cross.

Tanzan offered, “Here, let me carry you across,” and placed her down gently on the other side.

The lady said, “Thank you very much. Goodbye.” The two continued on their journey for more than half a day.

Finally, the younger monk could not contain himself any longer, and blurted out, “I thought we monks were supposed to avoid women. Why did you just do that?”

“Oh, you mean the woman way back there? I put her down long ago. Are you still carrying her?”

OUR GIFT TO YOU

Every now and then we will be giving away free digital goods to our community. In order for you to see our digital gifts, make sure that you place our emails into your primary folder. Our goal is to give away something awesome at least once a week!

Today you get our 30 Day Weight Loss Challenge Poster. Looking to lose a few pounds, but absolutely hate going to the gym everyday? Try this 15 minute yoga routine for weight loss. Yoga is actually one of the best exercises to tone, build lean muscle, lose weight, and decrease cravings. To download please click on the download button below.

CRYSTAL OF THE DAY

YOGAPEDIA
Scorpion Pose

What is Scorpion Pose?

Scorpion pose, or vrschikasana in Sanskrit, is an advanced arm balance and deep backbend. From forearm balance pose, the yogi bends their knees so that feet come to the top of the head to resemble a striking scorpion. The pose requires immense strength, focus and confidence.

Instructions

• Begin in forearm balance pose.

• Exhale and bend the knees while lifting the head up and arching the spine. Touch the toes or soles of the feet to the top of the head.

• Breathe while holding the pose.

• Inhale and stretch the legs up. Exhale and carefully bring the feet to the floor one at a time.

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