Pranayama saves the day

I have always enjoyed attending hatha yoga for the past 6 months. And I know that physically, it made me flexible and help me release toxins out of my body (layman’s term is Stress!). I also believe that this will help me loose weight through stretching of the muscles. Beyond these physical benefits I know that there are more to it than meets the eye. Emotionally, I vouch for the inner benefits yoga has to offer. And I came to realise that last night.

I was going to meet my fiancé in Glorietta after office. I was in a hurry to get there, that’s why instead of taking the bus I took the train. Arrived around 7:30 pm in our meeting place. After 20 minutes I saw my phone had a text message, He’ll meet me in G4 (not our agreed meeting place). I called him to ask where he is and I was completely stunned when he told me he is still in the office. I was angry, my blood rushed to my head. I turned off the phone without saying a word. I don’t know what to do, stride to the nearest bus stop and go home or stay and wait for him for another 30 minutes. I was walking fast toward the exit. Then I inhaled deeply and exhaled smoothly (recalling how pranayama should be done) did it a couple of times to help my body calm down. I started to feel relaxed though my anxiety is still there and my brain is racing for answers. What now? I began to think straight … telling myself I’m already old to act childish and self-absorbed and I should be more understanding and more patient. I did another pranayama and decided to go to G4 and wait for him. I was still a little agitated when I reached Starbucks but as soon as I settled in one of the chairs and drank my caramel latte with a book in my hand, I felt a little bit ok. I thought to myself that without me controlling my emotions earlier, I would be sitting in a bus by now and feeling frustrated and angry, full of negative energy and my day will end unpleasantly.

So what benefits have pranayama gave me yesterday? I ended my day pleasantly, I didn’t fought with my fiancé and I got a good night kiss. :) On a serious note, when you’re blood rises in fury, try doing pranayama.. you’ll feel relaxed and you’ll be able to think straight and make the right decision.