We can learn how to relax into an easeful relationship with the universe, where we are nourished with every breath – by becoming aware of the energy flow of apana vayu.
I love this quote from Joan Ford: “Pregnancy is a process that invites you to surrender to the unseen forces behind all life.”
While our will is very powerful, a growing baby inside can be a great reminder that we are also being nurtured into existence as mother to this baby with each breath: energy, nature, consciousness is offering to nurture us and we can receive what it has to give. But we need to learn how to relax into this relationship with the world, or we can actually block the flow of nurturing energy.
In yoga, we hear a lot about how to open energetic channels. We learn that energy is not directionless. While we love to feel it moving in us, and we can dance and do yoga and drink coffee that leaves us buzzing, it also has directions in the body where it naturally wants to go, and it feels good when prana flows in these particular directions.
While there are 5 main directions of prana , or vayus in our bodies, if we focus on just one of these directions, we will support all the others and have a powerful tool to receive the flow of wisdom and nurturing energy throughout our journey to motherhood and beyond.
We can feel 2 of these directions just by noticing our breath: prana moves in and down with the inhale; and up and out with the exhale. If we are breathing through the nose calmly, the in-breath goes in through the 3rd eye and down to the heart chakra.
A little lower in the back where your ribs end are your kidneys, known as the storehouse of prana. Think of breathing into your kidneys, and exhale up and out from there, keeping space in the back of your body.
Prana also moves linearly, the 3rd direction: through peristalsis, sending food from stomach all the way through the digestive tract.
And prana pulsates in a 4th, circular direction, or circulation: from heart to skin and back.
Any time we close our eyes and focus on a particular prana, we bring consciousness to it, we support it, and we give it more power to nourish us.
But here’s the one, the main one – in a way – the ONLY one we really need to focus on:
Apana vayu is prana that moves downward and outward from the pelvis toward the earth.
As you exhale, prana not only moves up and out with the breath, but it also moves down from your pelvis through your legs to connect us to the ground. When we learn how to relax downward from our pelvis in this way, we open up energetic channels for:
– giving birth
– optimal elimination of all that we don’t need – from food to emotions
– being held by the earth and allowing ourselves to release into gravity, so we can feel grounded and supported again
– a new, fuller in-breath/inspiration to move in and give us energy
Try focusing apana vayu by allowing your energy to release down and out this week with each full exhale. This simple action will show you how to relax into a supported relationship with the world we’re in, and make space for a new, inspirational breath to come in and nurture you fully – as well as setting you up to be nurtured by people, food, and your surroundings in ways you might not have expected.
Take at least a 15-minute walk daily, especially up a hill – as we push down through our legs we move energy downward and feel more relaxed.
And, of course, go to yoga to open up your hips, align your pelvis, and ground your apana vayu – no matter where you are on your journey! Especially new moms with active toddlers – get thee to the ground, Mama!
By the way, did you know your first class with Ma Yoga is free? Click here to book your first class now!
