Toolkit for Implementing Resolutions

by Sri M

Just when I was discussing with a mentee, about the challenges in keeping up the New Year’s resolutions, my sister shared a wonderfully written piece by Sri M – The Secret of Implementing a Resolution. I am quoting a few lines from the article:

“It’s time to take a step forward once more, for the New Year is at hand.

One can move from ‘the past’ to ‘the present’ and turn over a new leaf in one’s life. Change completely if required and have a new life altogether!

Resolutions are made every New Year. By the time the day dawns on the New Year, all resolutions are forgotten – no resolutions are implemented. Can we have this New Year differently? Can we resolve that we will discipline ourselves?

So what resolution should we make again for this new year and, the most important part – implement the resolution – not just make.” – Sri M 

Click here to read the complete article by Sri M, on learning the secret of implementing a resolution. 

During our previous 100 Day Health Challenge, we had an enriching session with Sri M on ‘Yoga – Way to a healthy body and super mind’. Click here to watch the video. 

Sri M, born as Mumtaz Ali, is an influential thought-leader, an eloquent orator, educationist, social reformer and spiritual guide, who largely dedicates his life to humanitarian and peace-making initiatives. A Padma Bhushan awardee, his life and work are fine examples of bringing forth the essence of ancient scriptures into modern-day living. You may connect with Sri M on Instagram @SriM_Official

What is Pranayama?

Prana refers to the universal life force and ayama means to regulate or lengthen. Daily practice of Pranayama is a holistic wellness for mind, body and soul.

What are the types of Pranayama?

Based on different areas of respiratory system, various types of pranayama are:

Natural Breathing, Basic Abdominal Breathing, Thoracic Breathing, Clavicular Breathing and Deep Breathing.

Each pranayama has its own benefit as well as contraindications; Hence, should be practiced under supervision of a qualified teacher.

How to practice breathing exercise?

Let’s start with the basics:

1. Place should be well ventilated.
2. Mornings and evenings are an ideal time for the pranayama practices
3. Everyday do about 15 minutes of pranayama
4. Place should be neat and clean, free of dirt and pollutants.
5. Make it a point to practice every day at same place and time
6. Place should be distraction proof
7. Daily pranayama practice should be done on an empty stomach (at least 4 hours after any meal/snack consumption)

One of the easiest and well-known pranayama is Anuloma – Viloma.

We normally inhale and exhale for approximately 1 ½ half hours from one nostril and then unconsciously the other nostril takes over for the same period. This pranayama is practised to regulate the natural way of breathing which brings balance between positive and negative effects of breathing on both the body and mind.

Recommended practice – Practice daily, five rounds/ day

(Limitations- Children under 12 years should not practice. Cardiac patients should NOT exceed their time capacity)

Benefits-

1. Favourable pressure changes in lungs for better oxygenation.
2. Experience quietude and inner harmony.
3. Sedative effect on the nervous system – concentration is improved
4. Balances the energies in our system which helps us cope with pains and aches.

Kamana Pereira is a level III Certified Yoga aacharya from The Yoga Institute, Mumbai. She has been associated with The Yoga Institute as the Center Head, Goa branch previously and is currently the Head of The Yoga Institute’s Health and Wellness Centre at Kochi. She has worked on the rehabilitation program for rescued girls at the Deonar camp and underprivileged children with the Mumbai, BMC. You can reach out to her on tanmantrayoga@gmail.com or connect on twitter @Kilo_Bravo13