Breathing to calm me??

[Telle Bear]

I was talking to another mama yesterday and she mentioned that she takes yoga to ground herself and she has found that the breathing tech. help her when she wants to "lose it" with her kids. She says she can walk away do a couple of breathing techs. and then she is better.

Any feedback. It sounds right, but I wonder if anyone has other suggestions...

[allgirls]

Originally Posted by Telle Bear

I was talking to another mama yesterday and she mentioned that she takes yoga to ground herself and she has found that the breathing tech. help her when she wants to "lose it" with her kids. She says she can walk away do a couple of breathing techs. and then she is better.

Any feedback. It sounds right, but I wonder if anyone has other suggestions...

absolutely...it's a great tool, technique for keeping your cool.

I also do mindful meditation...bring myself into the moment, this also involves breathing.

I also count slowly under my breath.

I chant a mantra "this too shall pass"

I also look at baby pictures of my big ones to bring me back down when I am forgetful that these great big humans are my babies.

I think it's imperative that we use tools to keep us calm in order to deal with our children.

Sometimes I do them all at once....lol

[Telle Bear]

is there a specific video or book that can help me learn these yoga breathing techs.?

[yoginisarah]

Here's a great description of how to do alternate nostril breathing (AKA, nadi suddhi) which is really soothing and balancing to the central nervous system:

Close the right nostril with the thumb of the right hand. Inhale slowly, steadily and deeply as long as possible. Follow the entire course of the breath by feeling the movement of air. Do not hold the breath inside.
Release the right and close the left nostril with the little and ring fingers of the right hand, and breath out through the right nostril. Again breathe in through the right nostril and then breathe out through the left nostril. This forms one round of Nadi Suddhi.
Inhalation and exhalation from each side should be of the same duration (In the beginning the duration may be unequal).

Also, when I'm feeling angry or too much heat inside of my body I'll do cooling breath. Curl up your tongue like a taco and breathe in through your mouth. Close your mouth and lips and breathe out slowly through your nose. Repeat.

[yoginisarah]

Also, the branch of yoga that studies the breath is called pranayama, so if you wanted to pick up a book about it, you could search that subject or online.