#48 – Keen on Yoga Podcast with Harmony Slater

Breathing practice has become increasingly popular, partly at
least, as we look for ways to help lessen the anxiety of these most
uncertain times we are living through. Harmony is uniquely
positioned to guide us in this having studied what she terms as
ancient breathing (the subject of a new course she is soon to
launch), with both Pattabhi Jois as well as the renowned Sri O.P
Tiwariji; the then head of the Kaivalydam Institute for research on
yoga near Mumbai in South India.

In this interview, we discussed how best to build up a practice,
what breath to start with and the signs or symptoms that we are
doing it effectively.  We also talk about the fact that –
even without dealing with anxiety – pranayama is most helpful to
balance of the intensely stimulating affects of our ashtanga
practice on our nervous systems.


For, the practice itself often stimulates the sympathetic nervous
system (fight or flight), which can be helpful in resolving
trauma. On the other hand, we also need to balance this with
tapping into the calming effect of the parasympathetic nervous
system (rest and digest), which is not adequately found addressed
in the way most people practice, and want to practice (ie. with a
certain speed and dynamism that is invigorating, yet, also needs
balance for this reason).


Finally, Harmony shares some of her own experience with using
pranayama to fight inflammation, fatigue and digestive-issues.
Here, we delve into the science behind it regarding oxygen and
Co2 exchange, as well as considering how to commence breathing if
you find yourself resistant or even frightened by the prospect of
sitting quietly and focussing on your breath.