How to deal with unsettling experiences

Question

AFTER DOING PRANAYAMS I FEEL HUGE VIBRATIONS IN MY BODY PARTS . THESE ARE SOMETIMES SO HIGH THAT I GET FRIGTHENED . HOW CAN I DEAL WITH THE SITUATION?

—MANISH, INDIA

Answer

Dear Manish,
You don’t describe what pranayams you are doing so it’s difficult to know what is creating these disturbances for you.

With any techniques of yoga it is important to have guidance from experienced teachers and/or spiritual guides, especially an enlightened guru. Putting too much emphasis on techniques alone, without such ongoing guidance and direction, can easily result in an imbalance.

Generally speaking, it is wise to ease off of doing pranayams when you feel any negative results. You might even need to stop doing the pranayams, at least for a period of time. Be sure to attune your energy and consciousness with the Divine; this will help you open up to the appropriate experiences for your own spiritual growth.

It’s also important to tune into the spiritual path as a whole, which of course includes meditation, but also encompasses devotion (Bhakti Yoga), selfless service (Karma Yoga), and discrimination (Gyana Yoga). The spiritual path should be a balance of being grounded as well as being uplifted.

If you need more specific guidance please contact us and we’ll respond more personally.

In divine friendship,
Nayaswami Pranaba