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This video was first posted on my blog, but I’ve chosen to share it again here on Wise and Shine Zine, for those of you who are interested in pranayama or breathwork.

When it comes to pranayama, it’s all about life force energy—the cosmic energy that flows through everything. It’s in the food we eat, the environment we live in, and most importantly, in the breath. Breath is our primary source of prana, or life energy, and through pranayama, we learn to connect with it in a conscious and powerful way.

I had practiced pranayama even before I went to the ashram for my Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training. But I never fully grasped it. I often wondered: Am I doing it right? Am I doing it wrong? I had the techniques, but something was missing.

I had also attended some breathwork sessions, and experienced how powerful breathwork can be. They can release deep emotions and stored energy. But here’s the thing—breathwork affects the nervous system, and when you go deep into this work, it’s important to be guided by people who truly know what they’re doing. Otherwise, it can be overwhelming, even destabilizing.

In the yogic tradition, pranayama is more than just a breathing technique—it’s a key step on the spiritual path. If you’re familiar with the Eight Limbs of Yoga, you’ll know that pranayama is the fourth limb. The eight limbs are:

1.Yama (ethical disciplines)

2. Niyama (personal observances)

3. Asana (physical postures)

4. Pranayama (breath control)

5. Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses)

6. Dharana (concentration)

7. Dhyana (meditation)

8. Samadhi (liberation or enlightenment)

These eight limbs are like building stones, each one laid upon the other with intention. There’s a deep wisdom in this sequence—each step supports the next, creating a stable path toward self-realization. Without a foundation in the earlier limbs, the deeper practices can lose their grounding or clarity. Pranayama, therefore, is a bridge—uniting body, mind, and spirit, and preparing us for the inward journey.

So whether you’re new to pranayama or returning to it with fresh eyes, remember: this is powerful, transformative work. Approach it with awareness, humility, and whenever possible, with skilled guidance. Your breath is not just a biological function—it’s your direct connection to life itself.

I hope you enjoy this video. Please feel free to share your thoughts or any comments—you know I’d love to hear from you.

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I just shared a new vlog/blog post: “From Master’s Degree to Devotee: Why He Chose the Spiritual Path.” It’s a real, unfiltered talk with Kantish, a devotee who left behind his studies and career to follow a very different way of life in the Hare Krishna movement. We chat about big life choices, letting go, and what it means to look for something more. Check it out if that topic speaks to you.

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