Path to Calm 001: Sama Vritti Breathing

stress calm treatment

Blue sign with arrow pointing right, directing traffic one way

We’re starting a new weekly post series which we’re calling the “Path to Calm”, a series dedicated to providing a variety of tips and advice on how to turn down the volume of the noise and chaos of your daily routine.

Today we offer up a breathing technique called Sama Vritti, or “Equal Breathing”. This is a beginner level technique that focuses on balance by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. It is great for relaxing the body, focusing the mind, and lowering stress and anxiety. Feel free to practice at home in a comfortable seated position, lying on your back, or in a float tank.

First, take a few moments to close your eyes and notice your natural breathing rhythm – try not to force any change yet. Then begin to inhale through the nose for four seconds, filling your lungs completely. Then exhale (also through the nose) all of the breath you just took in, for an equal four seconds. Continue the pattern of equal lengths of time breathing in as breathing out. Do this for several minutes, and feel free to experiment with the length of time, so long as the in and out breaths are equal.

Have any other breathing exercises that you like to practice? Share with us in the comments!

#CrossTheRubicon #Embark

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *