This episode of Guitar with Breathwork features Alternate Nostril Breathing or Nadi Shodhana Pranayam. It is known to reduce anxiety and help you relax. I have paired it with images of water lilies (watch out Monet) and my piece Vals de Paz. It just takes a few minutes and the video contains easy to follow instructions.
Why Use Alternate Nostril Breathing?
As reported by healthline.com the benefits include lowered stress, improved lung function and respiratory endurance, lower heart rate, and overall well-being.
Is Alternate Nostril Breathing Safe?
As we say in the video, always make sure to stop and breathing exercise if you are feeling light headed. This especially includes Alternate Nostril Breathing, which will cause you to breathe deeper than you normally would. We recommend you work up to 10 breaths (about twice through the video).
About the Music
The piece was written in late 2021, and is influenced by the Waltzes so popular in Spain. Composers like Bartolomé Calatayud wrote several beautifyl lyrical waltzes for the guitar. This arrangement combines the lyrical melodies of the Spanish Waltz with the major harmonies more common in South American Music. It is not as quick as the famous Venezuelan Waltzes, thus the title Vals de Paz. A peaceful waltz, perhaps better suited for relaxing than dancing. It places the melody in the lower register, not unlike Villa-Lobos in his Prelude No. 1.
