Note: For the complete lessons, with additions, see the AYP Easy Lessons for Ecstatic Living Books.

Lesson 173 - Q&A – Spinal bastrika cycle time

From: Yogani
Date: Mon Apr 26, 2004 4:28pm

New Members: It is recommended you read from the beginning of the web archive, as previous lessons are prerequisite to this one. The first lesson is, "Why This Discussion?"

Q: Thanks for your lesson on bastrika, the fast vigorous spinal breathing pranayama. Kindly just mention what should be the ideal number of bastrika breaths per minute. Also, I am doing bastrika for about 5 minutes. Is this ok?

A: The bastrika pace is like a dog panting comfortably. No cycle time is ideal. What is comfortable for you is ideal. Sometimes it will speed up or slow down by itself. The nervous system knows what it needs. Go with it as long as it does not become uncomfortable.

Five minutes of spinal bastrika is much too long starting out. If you are new to this practice, do only two minutes until you know your experience in practice and daily activities is smooth. Then you can inch your time up, monitoring your experiences along the way. You may wish to review the lesson on spinal bastrika again.

Wishing you much success in your practices.

The guru is in you.

Note: For detailed instructions on building a balanced practice routine with self-pacing, see the AYP Eight Limbs of Yoga book.

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