Do you ever wonder why your energy is so different from one day to the next? It might start with the amount and quality of your sleep, the food you eat or how much exercise you do daily. Yoga calls this energy our prana or life energy, which animates all living beings. The pranamaya is the dimension of our being thought of as our physiology. Our vital energy controls the basic functions of respiration, elimination, circulation, digestion and communication. These functions can be influenced and optimized by the tools of yoga, but especially pranayama (conscious breathing) and chanting.
At the annamaya level when we link breath and movement, we oxygenate the blood, which allows our heart to work a little easier, helps to increase our energy and calm the nervous system. Then, as we sit for a pranayama practice, we are able to move the mind to a place of focused attention. This healthy and accessible practice done consistently improves our overall system and sets the stage for a deeper meditation practice.
Next time you are doing your pranayama practice, as you breathe in, visualize the breath entering your lungs and prana spreading throughout your body. Notice how it makes you feel. The energy and nourishment can be felt for the rest of your day.