Breath Is Life
Breath Is Life
When you begin learning yoga, the first thing you’ll hear about is the BREATH.
I explain the breath as a pearl necklace–the breath is the string, the poses are the pearls.
Weak or frayed string, the pearls fall off.
Smooth and strong string, the pearls can last for years, adding beauty and lustre to your life.
Many teachers say the quality of your breath will be the quality of your life.
The breath is fascinating because most of us do not pay it attention. It operates in the background, yet is highly affected by emotional state.
Stressed or anxious? The breath will likely be shallow and tight. Carry this to the extreme and you have a panic attack and hyperventilation.
Conversely, a breath that is easy, deep and long correlates to a calm homeostasis.
Slow, deep breathing activates parasympathetic response, and rapid, shallow breathing activates sympathetic response.
Therefore, the breath is a barometer for the state of the mind and body. It is a tool with which can control our emotional state.
In yoga there are many types of breathwork (pranayama).
The first breath you will learn is called Ocean Sounding Breath, also referred to as Ujjayi [ooh-JAI-eee] Breath.
There is also: Breath of Fire, Breath of Joy, Lion’s Breath, Alternate Nostril Breath, Ego Eradicator Breath, Sitali Breath, Horsey Breath, Bee Breath etc.
HOW TO: UJJAYI BREATH
1- Imagine a mirror in front of you.
2- Inhale and exhale with an open mouth to FOG the mirror. Listen to the sound–‘haaaaaa’.
3-Now close the lips and make that sound on the inhale AND the exhale.
This is Ujjayi Breathing.
*Note, like all things in yoga, there is an elusive balance between effort and ease. Your breath should be audible to you, but not like a foghorn to people in the back. Try not to force it too much and find your own relaxed rhythm.
Want to learn more types of breathing in yoga? Contact me here.
Namaste, Catherine
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