Heart Breathing
A pranayama variant that works directly in the heart space (anahata), using a reverse-direction breath opposite to standard spinal breathing pranayama.
Definition
Lesson 220 introduces heart breathing, a special pranayama technique that goes in reverse direction relative to the standard brow-to-root spinal breathing pranayama: inhale from the third eye (the point between the eyebrows) back through the center of the head, down the spinal nerve into the heart, then exhale back out the same route through the third eye.
Procedure
- Inhale — bring attention (and, if used, the practitioner's ishta — chosen ideal, e.g. Christ, Divine Mother, Truth) in through the third eye and down into the heart.
- Exhale — send impurities back out through the third eye, along the same route.
- Timing — 5–10 minutes, before or after sitting practices, or at any other time.
- Pacing — start slow. Heart breathing can produce strong karmic releases in the heart if overdone.
Lesson 220: "During this practice, our heart is filled with our Beloved and impurities are expelled."
How it relates to other practices
- Reverse-direction counterpart to spinal breathing pranayama, which traces root-to-brow.
- Works anahata (the heart chakra) directly, as an optional supplement — not a replacement for standard SBP.
- Pairs naturally with a clear ishta; this is one reason it isn't introduced earlier in the lessons.
Cautions / Self-pacing
Not offered earlier in the lessons for two reasons: (1) the reverse direction could confuse beginners still learning standard SBP, and (2) it works best with a clear ishta, which not everyone has when they start. Begin gently and self-pace if strong emotional releases occur.