According to yoga, the breath is the key to controlling your mind and, therefore, your life. In this kriya, you breathe exclusively through the left nostril, which calms the nervous system, supports the heart, and begins to move you from a mindset of reactivity to positivity.
After two minutes, you may start feeling bored. The negative mind kicks in: “What are you doing this for? This is a waste of time. I could be doing something else.” The mind doesn’t want to be caught. It wants to roam freely. Notice the struggle, and return to the practice.
It’s hard work to control the mind, but in doing so we gain true freedom.
Before you begin your practice, tune-in by chanting the mantra Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo
How to chant the mantra Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo
Sit in Easy Pose with your spine straight. Press your palms together in Prayer Pose at the center of the chest, sides of the thumbs pressed against the sternum. With your eyes closed, focus your concentration at the Third Eye Point located between the eyebrows at the root of the nose, about a half inch under the skin. Inhale deeply and as you exhale chant Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo, on one breath. The sound Dev is chanted a minor third higher than the other sounds. If you cannot chant it all on one breath, take a short breath after Ong Namo. Repeat the mantra three times. The meaning of Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo is: I call on the creative infinite consciousness of the universe. I call on the divine wisdom within me.
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