Practice Point: Humming Bee Breath
Many Eastern philosophies and practices such as yoga are based on the belief that everything around us is vibrating and pulsating, and the sound, ‘Om’, connects us to this life force.
I chant ‘Om’ at the end of my classes as a way to connect and calm us. If you feel uncomfortable chanting, you might like to try this breathing technique instead: brahmari, the humming bee breath.
This simple technique can help relieve stress and anxiety, and improve focus.
Before you begin ...
If this practice makes you feel light-headed, dizzy or uncomfortable, stop immediately.
The practice
Sit comfortably on a chair or on the floor.
Ensure that you feel stable and upright.
If you’re sitting in a chair, you can place a pillow behind your back and rest your feet on a footrest.
If you’re sitting on the floor, you can sit against a wall or sit on a cushion or blanket, or both.
Take a few natural breaths to settle the body.
Breathe in through the nose, and exhale, with a low hum, through the mouth.
Feel the sound waves vibrating through the head.
Continue for a small number of rounds, to begin with, maybe no more than 10.
Return to your natural breathing and notice the effects of the practice.
Notes
Keep your facial muscles and jaw relaxed.
Keep your breathing relaxed and the humming sound as long as feels comfortable.
If you feel out of breath or agitated, cease the practice.
Variations
To reduce sensory distractions, close the eyes and/or block your ears with your fingers.
Try silent brahmari, where you imagine the buzzing sound as you exhale. Can you still feel the vibrations?
Benefits
Calms the nervous system
Calms and quietens the mind
Relieves stress and anxiety
Improves focus