I was introduced to alternate nostril breathing during my first yoga TT but I didn’t really connect with it until I started my meditation practice. That’s when I noticed the subtle effects it had on my body. I can relax, focus on my breath and be present in that moment…. which is super hard for me because I’m not superhuman. I live in my head most of the time.

Alternate nostril breathing or nadhi sodhana is one of my favorite breathing exercises. Every time I do it my body gets all tingly and relaxed. It’s really my favorite way to breathe right before meditating. It has really helped me so I want to share it with you… maybe it will help you too.

This is something that has helped me so I want to share it with you… maybe it will help you too. Alternate nostril breathing focuses on breathing in and out of each nostril one side at a time. It’s a great way to practice mindfulness, relaxation and to prepare your body and mind for meditation.

Benefits:

• Improves your ability to focus the mind
• Supports our lungs and respiratory functions
• Restores balance in the left and right hemispheres of the brain
• Rejuvenates the nervous system
• Removes toxins
• Settles stress

How to:

1. Make yourself comfortable in a seated position, lengthen your spine and open your heart.
2. Place your left palm comfortably on your left leg
3. Bring your right hand just in front of your face
4. REST your peace fingers between your eyebrows using them as an anchor
5. Place your ring finger on the outside of your left nostril
6. Place your thumb on the outside of your right nostril
7. Close your eyes and breath in and out through your nose 3 TIMES
8. Close your right nostril with your right thumb.
9. INHALE through the left nostril slowly.
10. Close the left nostril with your ring finger so both nostrils are held closed. 
11. Hold your breath at the top of the inhale for a brief pause.
12. Open your right nostril and EXHALE slowly through the right side pause briefly at the bottom of the exhale. INHALE through the right side slowly.
13. Hold both nostrils closed (with ring finger and thumb).
14. Open your left nostril and release breath slowly through the left side.
15. Pause briefly at the bottom.

Repeat 5-10 cycles, allow your mind to follow your inhales and exhales, and let me know what you think!