Meditation 5: Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana)

This mediation is extremely powerful in balancing out your autonomic nervous system. When our system is in a more relaxed state, we then have a greater ability to sail through life with more consistency. We are less reactive to external situations. We are better able to assess and implement behaviour with less judgement and reactivity. Overall this meditation is great in developing a greater self-awareness. Who doesn’t want more of that?

Nadi is a yogic Sanskrit word meaning ‘flow’ and shodhana means ‘purification’. Therefore, it is a beautiful practise aimed to purify both the mind and body to regain internal balance.

Physically there are also many health benefits from this simple meditation too.

Sit comfortably either crossed legged on a cushion on the floor or on a chair, ensuring your spine is long.  Rest your left hand on your left knee. With your right hand, bring the index and middle finger to gently rest on the space between your eye brows. Bring the ring finger and little finger together so they are aligned (see picture). During the meditation you will use the right thumb to close the right nostil and the pinky/ring finger together to close the left nostril.

To begin, plug the right nostril and inhale completely through your left nostril. Then switch over, plugging the left nostril and exhale through the right nostril. Then inhale through the right, plug, and exhale through the left. Begin the cycle again.

Keep the breath fluid and rhythmic. Make it like a dance with your breath. Your eyes are closed and your internal gaze is towards the tip of your nose. Continue for 3-5 minutes.