Hi Everyone,
This week we turn our attention to the physical and metaphysical benefits of our exhalations.
Longer exhalations tone the vagus nerve and improve heart rate variability (HRV).
Higher HRV is associated with stronger vagus nerve function, lower chronic stress levels, better overall health, improved cognition and decision making.
Extending exhalations toward twice as long as the inhalations for as little as 2 minutes a day has been shown in studies to help the body switch from a stress response to the relaxation response.
Metaphysically, each phase of the breath has a special significance. The exhalation is linked to the evening time, Sunset, and the Return to Source, going back to that from which everything comes. Our exhalations are meant to deliver us to the part of ourselves that is beyond the body and the personality: Presence, Pure Awareness.
Additionally, extending our exhalations is a way to stay in rhythm with the cycles of Nature. Exhalations are symbolically linked to the autumn season: a time of year in our hemisphere when plants drop their leaves, fruits, and seeds; tree sap draws deep into the roots; animals that hibernate prepare for a long rest. After a busy and productive season in the outer world, Autumn whispers to us: Remember your deeper Self, return to that. Our exhalations can take us there.
In these recordings, we’ll savor our exhales. Enjoy. Please check in with me if you have any questions or feedback: shala@YogaAndTheCosmos.com
Extended exhalations: 30 min. Vinyasa Flow (suggested Spotify playlist is in the Vimeo description that you’ll see once you click the link.)
https://vimeo.com/616274384/e0e565ed91
Extended Exhalations: 30 min. Gentle, Restorative, Yin (suggested Spotify playlist is in the Vimeo description that you’ll see once you click the link.)
https://vimeo.com/616296142/5256e2ea87
These recordings are offered for free. If you enjoy them and know someone else who would like them too, please forward this email :-)
If you’re able and would like to make a $1-$5 love offering/recording, many thanks!
Paypal = shala@YogaAndTheCosmos.com
Venmo = @Shala-Worsley
If you'd like to receive these emails/recordings when I send them out, click this link to subscribe.