Let us talk about the steps we are expected to follow, in order to gain optimum benefit in our Pranayama session.
- The body does not know how to lie down and yet be alert. We usually need to stand on our feet for alertness. We need to prepare our mind and body for this change. When we get into Savasana or any supine pose, we should follow the teacher’s instructions with awareness, and let the body adjust itself into the pose with correct alignment for alertness. Especially if we practise Pranayama in the evening, we need to work more to bring the mind to a quiet state, as it has been active since morning.
- In Pranayama, our body is not moving as it does in asana practice, so our breath needs to move and keep us alert. For this to happen, we need to adjust our tendencies towards our body, mind, and senses.
- The mind cannot suddenly become passive and introspective, just because we are in Savasana and Pranayama. As stated above, we need to get into a supine pose with awareness, and then allow the mind to focus on the happenings of the day. Let the mind pick one moment of joy or sorrow from the entire day. Meanwhile, observe the mind and its multi-tasking nature and observe the moment it has chosen. It is surprising to realise how difficult this act can be, as the mind gravitates in all possible directions with its senses throughout the day. We are unable to remember most of the things we do in a single day.
Next, our focus should be to gravitate the mind towards the breath without dependence on external factors (like the teacher’s instructions). This can be done by first gravitating to the body through correct asanas, then gravitating to the senses by stopping its multiple activities and finally gravitating to the breath.
Some of our concerns should be:
Is the breath spreading all over the body?
Has the breath made a dominant presence in the body?
It is not an easy feat. We naturally prioritize the pains and discomforts of our body and struggle to reach the subtler realms like our breath. Asana is a good convertor that can change this drawback in a short period of time. All we must do is extend and expand our body through deeper and longer inhalations and exhalations. These inhalations and exhalations should be connected to each other as in a string and not be separate or disconnected.
Once this happens, then it becomes our favourite breath like we have a favourite dress or a favourite person. We enjoy going back to this favourite breath naturally. This is the beginning of Pratyahara and concentration.
To get the most out of Pranayama, we need to allow ourselves to relax and release thoughts of all transient things. In Savasana, let yourself die and move away from the impermanent world. Focus on a healthy body, quiet mind, and deeper breath. Know yourselves physically, sensually through mindful breaths and move towards the things that matter.
Once you realise the work that goes on internally in Savasana and Pranayama, it is difficult to doze off during the sessions.