Most people take respiration for granted to keep us alive. However, many people have restricted respiratory function. We often breathe through our mouths instead of noses, are rarely use the full capacity of our lungs. The muscles of respiration become tight, or weak, or both, caused by years of bad posture and lack of awareness. Pranayama, the science of the breath, is the 4th “limb” of yoga, according to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. It is the process of understanding the physiology of the breath, and how we can consciously change our breathing patterns to improve our health and well being. The breath bridges the gap between the body, mind and spirit, and can take us deeper into our yoga practice. This can start with a simple breath awareness exercise.
Sit or lie quietly in a comfortable position, away from distractions. Turn off your phone and listen to the sounds around. Stay with that, until you fully arrive in the moment. Breathe in and out through your nose. Your breath should be calm and deliberate, but flowing without force or effort. Allow there to be a slight pause after inhalation and exhalation. Focus on that pause, and notice the effect this conscious awareness on your breathing has on this physical and emotional state. Follow the ebb and flow of your breath until your mind is calm, relaxed and clear. Use this as a tool whenever you are feeling stressed, uptight or anxious.