The character of your thoughts and emotions is reflected in the motion and level of energy in your breath. One of the first habits of a yogi is to notice the state of the breath and prana. A disturbance in the subtle prana foreshadows what will manifest in the body and emotions.

If you learn what your normal state is, then you can notice deviations that are unhealthy as well as healthy enhancements. You can choose certain behaviors and meditations to redirect and shape that inner motion. This short-circuits the cycle of manifestation. You can avoid many illnesses and bad decisions.

It also opens your intuition to environmental changes. It increases your awareness of how other people influence you.

Meditation on the breath at the Navel Point is the starting point for awareness of prana. You may want to add the mantra Sat Nam to the flow of the breath.

Practice this meditation in silence and assess your energy state. Establish your zero point internally so you can notice the impact of the various breath combinations.