The Power of Breath: The Art of Breathing Well for Harmony, Happiness and Health - Softcover

Saradananda, Swami

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1786780186 ISBN 13: 9781786780188

Publisher: Watkins Publishing, 2017

Synopsis

Discover how harnessing the simple art of breathing based on ancient yogic traditions can dramatically enhance your daily well-being with this engaging guide from one of the world's leading yoga gurus.

Breathing is the most fundamental of our body's physical processes and our most intimate companion, yet most of us give it little or no thought in our daily lives. However, once fully acknowledged and harnessed, the power of the breath is unlimited – easing stress and anxiety, boosting energy and stamina, enhancing self-confidence, sharpening the ability to focus, strengthening quality of voice and even helping to relieve pain. A Sanskrit proverb claims, 'If you breathe well, you will live long on earth.' Renowned yoga teacher Swami Saradananda aims with The Power of Breath to give gentle yet powerful guidance on the art of breathing. The introduction explains the basics of breathing and the complex connection between the breath and the subtle body as seen in yogic terms, as well as offering advice on rediscovering natural breathing and preparing for breathing exercises. The sections that follow then lead the reader through five types of breath as classified in the yogic tradition, each related to a particular type of energy, or life force – vitalizing (prana), nourishing (samana), expansive (vyana), cleansing (apana) and expressive (udana). Over 30 life-enriching breathing exercises are explained within these sections, each one beautifully illustrated for clarity and maximum visual appeal. A final section of mini breathing programmes helps you to target specific common ailments and issues such as asthma, skin disorders, depression, lethargy and phobias as well as harnessing your breath to enhance vocal, dramatic or sports performance. With evocative artwork, inspiring photography and easy-to-follow guidance, this book will enhance and affirm your daily life through the power of breathwork.

About this title

About the Author:

Swami Saradananda is an internationally renowned yoga and meditation teacher who has been teaching for almost forty years, and is the author of a number of books, including Chakra Meditation, Relax and Unwind with Yoga, Yoga Mind and Body, The Essential Guide to Chakras and Mudras for Modern Life. For 26 years, she worked with the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres and directed their facilities in New York, London, New Delhi and the Himalayas. After an extended period of personal practice in the Himalayas in 2001, she was author in residence at the Peacemaker Community in Western Massachusetts, and she then went on to direct yoga and meditation retreat Haus Yoga Vidya, near Cologne, Germany. For the past few years, she has lived between London and New York but she spends several months each year teaching in Germany and several more in India. Swami Saradananda teaches yoga worldwide, leads pilgrimages to India and writes extensively.

Review:

"This is a much-needed jewel of a book, offering a range of effective breathing practices - some simple enough to read and try immediately - while helping people understand the esoteric aspects of prana (did you know there are five kinds?)." 
- Pamela Miles; New York City; spiritual mentor and Reiki master, author "REIKI: A Comprehensive Guide"

"This book brings clarity, light and ease of practice to the ancient art of pranayama. Understanding and regulation of  breathing brings balance to the nervous system so that physical and mental health follow naturally. All levels of practitioners will find guidance in this valuable and knowledgeable book”.
- Robert Moses, Yoga Teacher and co-publisher Namarupa Magazine  Namarupa.org

"The blissful depth of Pranayama can be experienced in no other way but through dedicated practice. Only one who has felt the true 'power of the breath' can share it with so much of love, beauty and clarity. Swami Saradananda has proven once again that she is a true Yogacharini through this delightful and wise exposition of subtle aspects of Pranayama, that hidden treasure missing from most modern Yoga teachings.”
- Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Chairman ICYER at Ananda Ashram, Pondicherry, India. www.icyer.com

About this edition

• Publisher: Watkins Publishing
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 1786780186
• ISBN 13: 9781786780188
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 160