Many of us are leading chaotic stressful lives that do not support our mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. We do not eat well, exercise correctly, maintain a positive state of mind, or take the time to get the rest and relaxation we need. It is critical that we pause for a moment in our busy lives and understand how we need to heal ourselves from the inside out.
Using ancient yoga practices, we can incorporate simple and easy-to-do activities and routines in our daily life that increase our prana, that reinvigorate our energy and achieve greater vitality, health and tranquility – amid the hustle of the modern day demands.
What is Prana?
Prana (प्राण, prāṇa) is the Sanskrit word for “life force” or vital principle. Prana is the force behind life itself. It is everywhere. It is that which gives life. In Yoga philosophy, the term refers collectively to all cosmic energies, permeating the Universe on all levels. It is the sum total of all energy that is manifest. When prana departs from the physical body, there is no life. It is abundant and all pervading. It is energy and where there is energy, there is life.
In living beings, the universal principle of energy or force of prana, is considered responsible for the body’s life, heat, health and maintenance. One may question, if prana is abundant, then why do we lack it? If we do not know how to get prana, to spend it wisely (i.e. we waste it), we will not know how to recharge ourselves.
How to increase Prana?
Prana comes through the five elements of nature, which are Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether.
We can increase prana through the Earth element by living in nature (for example, camping), walking on earth barefoot, touching the earth (gardening), hugging trees, looking at mountains, eating fresh picked fruits and vegetables, living in natural houses; and above all respecting nature.
By drinking clean pure water that is free of chemicals and toxins, we increase our prana through the Water element. Swimming in oceans, rivers, streams also increases prana.
Spending some time daily outdoors in the sunshine, or even opening windows and doors to let the sunshine in increases prana through the Fire element. It is also important to drink warm water and eat warm food; and cook food in flame stoves if possible.
The main source of prana is through breathing (the Air element). Having a consistent pranayama (breathing exercises) practice, inhaling pure fresh air, living in fresh air, airing out rooms, and staying away from polluted environments are some ways we can increase prana.
The Ether element is associated with thoughts. We are all living in an ocean of thoughts. Chanting mantras, being in a positive atmosphere (for example, places of worship) and keeping good company (satsanga) increases prana and helps us connect to a higher vibration of thinking.
Make the right the choices
A healthy yogi always knows or has a pulse on his/her level of prana and chooses a lifestyle that is balanced and wholesome. We need to make wise choices in our daily activities that will make our lives more vibrant and alive. Sometimes, a little shift such as this goes a long way in reshaping our lives, giving us endless abundant energy, and allowing us to regain the quality of life that we were meant to live.
To learn more about Prana and Pranayama, visit the Ashram for a Beginners Course!
I lost Prana energy through negative emotions and persistent hatred and anger. Is it possible to regain prana once you lost some of it? I feel that I’ve lost considerable energy and cant feel at peace. No matter how many exercises I do, whether with Reiki healing or meditation I cant seem to repair my spirit.
Om Namah sivaya. You can re-gain prana through healing your mind and emotions and leading a positive lifestyle. The changes need to come from inside not from any outside source. You would need to replace hatred and anger with forgiveness and love (for yourself and others) Forgiveness does not mean that you accept the wrong being done, but it means that you realize that you need to heal for yourself. Please visit a Sivananda Yoga center near you to learn proper asana practice to move energy, proper relaxation and self surrender and learn Pranayama to balance and restore. Study more about the five points of Yoga life for health.
Focus on how things and people are impermanent. Also focus on inter – dependence. For example a concept of long cannot exist with a concept of short. So everything in the universe is inter- dependent. You exist because of others and others because of you. Nothing is random. If something bad is happening to you it’s due to corresponding causes and conditions. I know it’s hard not to react but just don’t. Let others do what they want you don’t sin, revenge. Just try to forget it by focusing on impermanence.
Few ways to gain peace from within. You cannot control the outside so you have to make great effort to change your self and your perspective. Hope this will help.
Thank you so much. It is true. Words if wisdom.
Good to hear about a true wise conscious response.thank you
Hello Swami Ji,
I somehow lost the enjoyment in life from long back. Always thinks about negativity, an alcoholic and passive smoker. I tried to change myself but not able to due to my will power.
Kindly guide me to enjoy what life has given to the fullest.
Thanks
You have to go inward and upward. Move from tamas ( darkness, ignorance, laziness) to rajas ( only self motivated goals, desire driven nature) to sattwa ( purity balance, knowledge, selfless)
Be in satsangs company with positive people. Stay away from isolation.
Walk the 12 steps. Know that you do not know.
Do asanas and pranayama
Abstain from.self destructive things like alcohool ,drugs
Do selfless service. Rejoice in helping others
Get out of your egoistic tendency
Love your true self
Find your spirit through self discipline.
I catch myself return in thought to people who hurt me or tried to harm me. Even if I haven’t thought about them in a very long time all in a sudden I spend a day ruminating about them.
How do I let it go so I am free
You need to forgive them. There is method how to forgive. Read book ‘forgive for good “by fred luskin. Swami sita
Hi Swami, I keep ruminating about my Boss at work. I don’t like him much, and I think my mind keeps thinking about him maybe because he has has potential to harm my means of livelihood. How do I stop ruminating about him?
Better to surrender to God’s will and have peace no matter what happens with your job. Your insecurity makes you lose your peace. Better surrender to God. It is about something higher than your boss. Swami Sitaramananda
I do meditation and my prana instantly raises . If I don’t use it , it goes down . Could please let me know how to use the high prana effectively.
You have to keep living a meaningful life, use it for service and high thinking so it is being used correctly, then you can get more for your self transformation. Swami Sita