Happiness Starter Kit
A Bite-Sized Introduction to the Power of Breath
Starter Kit Content
We’ve all heard the phrase “Take a deep breath.”
But have you noticed how your breath changes depending on how you feel? If so, you might have noticed that it’s short and shallow when stressed, and deeper when we’re relaxed. You may even find yourself holding your breath when angry and anxious.
One thing you probably haven’t learned is that, just like your breath changes depending on how you feel, you can change how you feel using your breath!
This is revolutionary, folks, so listen up!
It’s hard to change how we feel. Can you talk yourself out of anger or anxiety? Can you talk yourself into going to sleep when you’re wound up? Nope. The mind has a terrible time telling itself what to do. And this is where the breath comes in.
Emma Seppälä PhD, Science Director of Stanford University’s Compassion Research Center, compiled the below infographic on The Scientific Benefits of Breathing, illustrating its impact on our health and well-being.
2-Minute Breathing Exercise to Balance Your Brain
Introduction to Yogic Breathwork (Pranayama)
Nadi Shodhan Pranayam (“alternate nostril breathing”) is an exercise that quickly balances the two lobes of the brain, and quiets your mental chatter. Because it brings balance and focus to the mind, it is a great technique to help you ease into meditation. Learn the Alternate Nostril breathing with Barbara Bendel, Art of Living Instructor:
Alternate Nostril breathing can be done on its own, but also works as a great way to calm the mind for meditation.
So give yourself a few minutes to get some deep rest, and listen to your free guided meditation below.
Guided Meditation
“A Breath of Happiness” by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Feels good, right?! We hope you enjoyed this quick experience of breathing and meditation. However, this is just a SMALL taste. Both breathing and meditation can go MUCH deeper than pranayama and guided meditation.
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In our full workshop, The Art of Living Happiness Program, you learn a powerful breathing technique that takes you effortlessly into a state of deep meditation. The technique is called SKY (Sudarshan Kriya Yoga), which in Sanskrit means “a purifying technique that gives you a vision of your Self”.
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​Don’t wait. Signup for The Happiness Program and experience the true source of happiness – your own Self.