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This Meditation will utilise Surya Bhedi breathing which is a (Solar Ignition of Energy) breathing technique. To use this technique you will need to use Vishnu Mudhra, inhaling through both nostrils. Then, block your right nostril and exhale Bhastrika Pranayama (strong inhale and exhale but focusing on the exhale) twice. Then block your left nostril and exhale Bhastrika Pranayama twice. And repeat. Then exhale through the right nostril to finish. Then, inhale fully through both, pause, Kumbhaka, Maha Bandha, holding the breath until almost uncomfortable, then exhale and rest in meditation. (Don’t worry, sounds complicated, but Zephyr will walk you through it).
The theory behind Samana Vayu is as follows- When the two opposing energies Pran and Apana Vayu are balanced it is said to awaken Samana Vayu. Samana Vayu is the direction of Prana that is a concentrating, absorbing and consolidating force that digests and assimilates incoming energy. The function is assimilation of prana in all its forms. Samana Vayu collects energy absorbed through breath, food, sensory perception, and is also said to be the gatekeeper of our mental functions absorbing all experiences and mental processes. This integrating action strengthens the body, balances the mind and stabilises the wandering mind drawing and containing attention inwards to moment awareness. This gives us a connection to a powerful motivating force to transform our habits and karmic tendencies as we have mental clarity and courage to truly see ourselves just as we are.
When we are healthy, we benefit from strong digestion as the nutrients are effectively absorbed converting it to energy for the body. This is also reflected in the mind as when we feel healthy we have mental clarity too. Samana Vayu helps gather Prana and assimilates our vitality so we feel we have access to it to help fulfil our duties, responsibilities and desires in life.
Samana Vayu is felt mainly around the solar plexus. This area is connected to Manipura Chakra and is said to be the centre for the transformative power or the abode of the fire element. This is the hub of Pranic energy and vitality, the navel centre, which is essential to hatha yoga. When we talk about Hatha Yoga we refer to a type of forceful yoga that draws two opposing forces together with the aim to increase Prana and transform the patterns of Pranic flow in the body. The result is optimisation of healthy body functions and preparation for higher states of consciousness. In Hatha Yoga the desire is to cultivate Tapas, or heat of positive transformation. This heat comes from the fire of Prana called Agni.
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