Hipparchus (ca. 190-ca.120 BCE), well known for his wisdom and insight, discovered the immediate precession of the equinoxes, the slow movement among the stars of the two opposite places where the sun actually crosses the celestial equator. This fine gentleman made incredible observations of the actual equinox itself, and of the solstice.

Today, astronomers use equinoctial points to orchestrate their framework of reference. The actual movements of these points (the Vernal Point and the Autumnal Point) is measured by the position of a star with the date of that actual measurement. This then provides them with the information they need to record their observations.

The actual word "Equinox", is derived from the Latin words meaning "egual right". This is in reference to the time when the sun crosses the equator. In modern times this word is used to refer not only to the positions on the ecliptic but also the times of the year when the sun has reached them. The September equinox has been used as a reference point in many calendars in the past, including the French Revolutionary Calendar. However, very little research has been conducted as to the theory of the ancient Macedonian calendar, and some do actually believe that the first month really began after the autumnal equinox.

So, we can began to conclude that indeed, we do have a complete shared polarity of sunlight and also of darkness.

And just as the universe experiences the changes of light and dark, so too-do we as human beings, experience our own polarities, drawing ourselves inward, as well as expressing ourselves externally.

In the external aspect of expression, we experience the physical realm of our being. Through the physical movements of daily living... waking, greeting one another with love and respect, stretching (yoga), meditating, grooming ourselves, walking, running, driving, engaging in a conversation, learning an important lesson from a cherished teacher, cheering on a fellow team-mate in a sport, hugging, cooking, eating a family meal together, doing the dishes, recycling and taking out the trash, taking care of our beautifully sweet pets, reading a bedtime story to our beloved children, praying together, singing, dancing and laughing out loud- it's all sacred! It allows our soul to express itself to fulfill our highest good, our truth- our soul's purpose, which is in complete service of love, for the good of all that we encounter. This is what is known as external expression-and this is how the universe is feeling when the sunlight is in full bloom, giving life to all that receive the glorious rays of light and love.

But, let's say, your day did not unfold like the above one mentioned...and let's say that your intentions to manifest a day like the one previously described, simply did not take place and have caused stress.

What is stress? Stress is the obstacle of your intentions and desires. When we experience stress, we manifest a number of physiological changes, such as:

~Increased heart rate

~Increased blood pressure

~Increased breathing

~Increased stress hormone release

~Sweating

~Weakened immunity

~Clotting of blood platelets

These physiological changes of stress do take place in not only adults, but children as well.

So, how do we handle the stress and help our children to deal with it themselves?

The first thing is to acknowledge that stress is indeed, a part of life. Every single living being will experience it, at some point during their lifetime. Once we begin to accept that everyone living on this earth will experience stress, we then can learn how to deal with it.

Prayer and Meditation are simply the finest tools of stress reduction available to us. It has been said that when we pray, we talk to God and when we meditate, God talks to us. During the process of meditation, we shift our body into a divine state of restful awareness, which then manifests;

~Decreased heart rate

~Normalization of blood pressure

~Quiet, relaxed breathing

~Reduced stress hormones

~Reduced sweating

~Strengthened immunity

Now, that sound's much more pleasant and appealing!

However, getting to that point of simply sitting down and relinquishing thoughts may be challenging for some. Many of my students ask me how they actually can meditate. They inform me that they have so many thoughts that it is simply very difficult to calm their minds.

And, at this point, I always begin with the breath. Breath is known as Pranayam, in yoga. The Pranayam is the most important aspect of the entire practice of yoga. Through your breath, you begin to access an amazing level of your conscious awareness, and significantly reduce stress hormone levels, as well!

We gain significant insight in life by becoming aware of our breath. Please try this very powerful breath awareness exercise right now, as I gently guide you into a blissful state of conscious awareness.

Sitting in a comfortable position, begin to inhale very deeply and slowly. Feel your breath originate in the solar plexus region of your body and feel it shift up into the center of your chest...inhale, inhale, inhale. When you can't take in anymore air, HOLD IT. Hold onto your inhalation. Now, begin to THINK of something that you need to LET GO OF. What part or situation in your life are you holding onto, that needs to be released? What situation that is in your life right now- is not serving you in a wholesome, loving and nourishing way? What do you need to release so that you can make room for growth and expansion and love? When you feel you cannot hold on to this inhalation any longer, RELEASE IT. LET IT GO. Let that precious breath, together with your vision of what is not is not serving you any longer-GO. Let it go completely!

Now, in the same comfortable sitting position, inhale and then exhale, very deeply...exhale, exhale, exhale. Exhale your breath all the way down into your belly. When you can't exhale any more, HOLD IT. Hold onto your exhalation. Now begin to THINK of something that is NOURISHING, that you need to EMBRACE into your life. Visualize this beautiful experience and feel it permeate your entire being with bliss. Then, inhale. Inhale the precious pranayam, your precious breath of manifestation and accept that nourishing image that is gracing your mind with love.

Breath is powerful. It is our force. We come in and out of this world with one breath. And, will enjoy many breaths in between.

So, let us take a look at some breathing techniques that I have outlined for you, that you can easily incorporate with your children, to relax and prepare yourselves for your day. It will equip you to face and deal with any stressful situations that may arrise, in a wholesome, nourishing and effective way. Taking time to breathe-together with your children, will not only provide you with a marked reduction in stress hormone levels, but will unify your parent/ child grandparent/grandchild bond. I have prepared for you a set of two breathing exercises for the morning, afternoon and evening times.

Morning Breathwork Exercise;

1.) Sunrise Breath (a lovely variation of Ujjayi Pranayam);

After rising from bed, drink a small glass of warm water, visit the bathroom and find a comfortable seated position on the floor. Both you and your child may then place your right hand on your tummy and your left hand over your right. Inhale slowly, through your nostrils with your mouth closed and in a relaxed position, begin to feel your belly rise. Then, simply exhale in the same fashion, feeling your belly relax. Repeat this exercise 3 or 4 times then enjoy the next breathing exercise.

2.) Before Breakfast Breath (a revitalizing variation of Viloma Pranayam);

After settling into your morning wake-up routine, I encourage you to take a moment to enjoy a few, additional breathing exercises together, to ignite your agni (digestive fire). Lie down on the floor, in a comfortable position. Placing your hands on the lower portion of your belly, begin to inhale and feel your belly begin to rise. Next, move your hands about two inches above your belly button and feel this area continue to rise, with your breath. Finally, with your same inhalation, move your hands to the center of your chest and feel this area rise, with your breath. Slightly lower your jaw, towards your chest and exhale very slowly (together with your hands) feeling your breath move back down from your chest, then slightly above the belly button, then back down to the lower portion of the belly. Please repeat this breathing exercise 3 or 4 times. Next, enjoy a beautiful breakfast together. Bon Appetit!

Afternoon Breathwork Excercise:

1.) Afternoon Pick-Me Up Breath (an empowering variation of Bhastrika Pranayam)

After a day of busy activity with work schedules, business meetings, school programs, and meeting deadlines, I have come up with a glorious variation of one of the most empowering breathing exercises in the entire realm of the yoga practice. It will help the body with its digestive process as well as energize and refresh your systems, giving you the nourishing "Pick-Me Up" boost that you may be in need of! Begin by sitting in a comfortable seated position, in a chair. With both feet flat of the ground, resting both hands beside you. Relax your shoulders and have your chin parallel to the floor. Slowly inhale and exhale a few times, from the abdominal region, in a simple, relaxed manner. Next , with the hands on the belly, fully exhale, as you lift and gently bring the tummy muscles upward and inward. Your hands will not be doing the exercise for you, rather, they are a tool to assist you in feeling your breath working with your muscles. Now, inhale and allow the belly expand, making room for your breath by creating a nice, open space. Continue with this procedure by exhaling and drawing your belly inward then, inhaling and drawing your belly outward. Repeat about 10 times.

2.) Get Your Angries Out Breath (a powerful variation of the Simhasana Yoga Pose)

This is actually a yoga pose, combined with a very powerful, breath that significantly releases stress hormones! This is not only very effective for parents and children to enjoy together, but I have taught this technique to many a stressed out stockbrocker and lawyer! Begin from a kneeling position and shift your body forward a bit to lift your buttocks and cross your right foot over your left ankle. Point the toes of both feet backward. Next, shift the pelvis forward and upward toward the belly button. Sit up straight and tall, feeling your spine lengthen. Place the palms of both hands slightly above the knees and spread the fingers as wide as possible. Inhale and close your eyes. Think of anything that is not serving you in a wholesome way. Exhale, and begin to release that thought, open your jaw and allow your tongue to roll out and touch your chin as you lean forward all the way to the floor. Inhale again, and come back up. Repeat this exercise 3 or 4 times then discuss the situation that is not serving you. Together with your child you will be able to find a resolution to even the "seemingly" most difficult situations (which are actually opportunities, in disguise) in life!

Evening Breathwork excercise:

1.) Sweet Dreams Breath ( a quieting variation of the Nadi Shodhana Pranayam)

This breath will clear out the cobwebs of stress that has taken place during the day and prepare your body, mind and spirit for a restful night's sleep. Please have some tissues close by, as you may want to blow your nose before beginning this breathing exercise. Begin by sitting in a comfortable position, either on the floor or in a chair. Inhale through the left nostril by simply closing the right nostril, with the thumb on your right hand. The pointer and "tall man" fingers are pointed upward. When this inhalation is complete, exhale through your left nostril. Then, close the left nostril with your pointer and tall man fingers and inhale through your right nostril. When this inhalation is complete, exhale through your right nostril. Continue with this exercise, inhaling and exhaling through each nostril about 3 or 4 times on each side. Please blow your nose, again.

2.) Sacred Moon Breath (a deeply calming variation of Sama Vritti Pranayam)

* * *Before you engage in this breath, I encourage you to make a "Sacred Moon" with your child by finding some beautiful white, woolen yarn. Fingerknit a rather long piece and wind it up to resemble a ball. Secure by placing a few hand stitches around its surface and "voilla", you now have a lovely moon to take to bed with you!

This amazing breath seems to complete the day and unite us in bliss. It gives us a beautiful sense of well being and calms the body mind and soul. Begin by sitting in front of a bare wall, next to your child. Next, lie down on your back with your knees bent (at about a 90* angle) with feet resting on the wall. This stretches out the lumbar region of our body and reduces fatigue in the shoulders. Then, place your "Sacred Moon" on your belly. Begin to notice your breath. Slowly inhale, watching the "Moon" rise on your belly (but not lifting your head off of the floor) and slowly exhale, watching the "Moon" settle on your belly. Now, inhale in the same fashion, only this time, count 4 gentle beats, as you hold your child's sweet, little hand. Then, exhale, counting 4 more gentle beats. Repeat this breathing exercise about 3 or 4 times, enjoying the "Moon" rising and settling into your evening rhythm and remember to take "Sacred Moon" to bed with you!

Once you have practiced these techniques, incorporate them into your daily rhythm.

And what is a daily rhythm. Rhythm is vital to all of life. As the sun rises at a certain time and the moon sets at a certain time (as I described in the beginning of this article), so too do we need a rhythm, especially our precious children. Establishing a loving nourishing rhythm, will create harmony in your home and in your relationships. Rising times, meal times, school times, extra-curricular activities times, chore times, bathing times, and bedtimes should be as consistent as possible, and in sync with our changing seasons and solstices. Ideally, waking up as the sun is rising, and retiring for the evening at an early hour, will provide your body, mind and soul with the optimal conditions to achieve a peaceful, harmonious life filled with love and nourishing relationships.

Rhythm is all about timing. All of life functions on time and time is the most precious gift we can give to our children. And just as the sun shares equal time with the moon during the autumn equinox, so to do we need to share quality time with our beloved children. Taking time to simply "breathe" with our children, will forever enhance our sacred bond and harness the security of love we hold for them.

And I shall now leave you with this classic and very truthful poem by Henry David Thoreau;

"I was not born to be forced. I will breathe after my own fashion."

Namaste,

Heather Frenner, RYT

Chopra Yoga and Meditation Instructor

www.heatheryoga.com