Welcome to the practice of Kabbalabhati or breath of fire.
It's important to mention that Kabbalabhati should be practiced with caution.
If you have any respiratory conditions,
High blood pressure,
Or are pregnant,
Listen to your body and stop if you feel any discomfort or dizziness.
Find a comfortable seated position on either a chair with your feet flat or on the floor with your legs crossed.
Make sure your spine is straight but relaxed and your shoulders are soft.
Rest your hands on your knees or in your lap.
If you'd like to close your eyes,
Feel free to do so,
Or simply soften your gaze downward.
Let's take a few deep breaths and let ourselves settle into a state of calm and presence.
Let's start by practicing the basic pattern of Kabbalabhati.
The focus will be on the forceful exhalations through your nose,
While the inhalations will be passive and automatic.
To begin,
Take a deep inhale through your nose.
Now exhale forcefully through your nose,
Drawing your navel towards your spine with each exhale.
The inhales will happen naturally between each exhale.
Let's do it together.
Inhale deeply and forcefully exhale through your nose.
Inhale and forcefully exhale through your nose.
Exhale and exhale.
Do this pattern at your own pace,
Focusing on the forceful exhalations,
The drawing in of your navel,
And allowing your inhales to be passive.
Let's take a few more cycles of Kabbalabhati together.
Inhale deeply and begin.
Exhale,
Exhale,
Exhale,
Exhale.
With each breath,
Allow yourself to feel more energized and focused.
When you're ready,
Bring your awareness back to the room,
Take a few natural breaths,
And open your eyes.
