The first act of life – breathing.
The last act of life – breathing.
Everything else happens somewhere in between, yet it seems to take up the greatest significance in our lives. But how often do we pause to observe this vital process—inhale and exhale—that drives our very existence? We usually don’t feel the need to, because it happens so naturally. But did you know that just a little attention to your breath can unlock powerful secrets to good health? A stronger immune system, a calm and relaxed mind, and a deep sense of happiness, to begin with. All through the awareness of correct breathing!
But who needs to learn how to breathe? Doesn’t it happen automatically all the time? Yes—but pranayamas (breathing techniques) help regulate the flow of breath and clear blockages in the nadis (subtle energy channels), so both body and mind can stay healthy. Let’s take a closer look at the vital role breathing plays in yoga.
Your Breath Reflects the State of Your Mind
Our breath is our most precious companion. A companion that never loses track of what emotions we’re experiencing at any given moment. Just think—don’t you breathe rapidly and shallowly when you’re angry, and smoothly and softly when you’re calm? This shows that breath is not only connected to our body, but also deeply linked to our mind. And we all want a happy mind, right? This is where pranayama helps. By becoming aware of your breath through breathing techniques, you can bring the mind into a pleasant state by improving and regulating the life force within the system.
The term pranayama comes from two words—prana (life force or breath) and yama (regulation). So by consciously adjusting the natural flow of breath through pranayama, we take care of our breath—and in turn, the health of our body and mind. Pranayamas fill the body with energy, making you feel vibrant and positive. On the other hand, low levels of prana in the system can lead to anxiety and stress.
You Can Relax in Even the Toughest Asanas Through Breath Awareness
Can you imagine feeling relaxed in Boat Pose (Naukasana) or Superman Pose (Viparita Shalabhasana)? Sounds impossible? Well, it’s actually very doable—just by paying a little attention to your breath during the pose. What happens when you focus on your breathing? The mind calms down, and it becomes easier to relax into the posture. Instead of fixating on the discomfort of the pose, your attention shifts to relaxation. Try it the next time you do your yoga practice.
Another benefit of syncing your breath with the poses is that sometimes the mind begins to wander during your practice. The body keeps moving, but the mind is somewhere else. In such moments, gently bringing your awareness back to the breath grounds the mind in the present moment, so you can fully experience the stretch and get 100% of the benefit from the asana. Try smiling while doing your poses—it makes a big difference! It helps you relax deeper and enjoy your practice more.
How to Sync Your Breath with the Postures?
Inhale when you feel an expansion in the chest. For example, when lifting or opening the shoulders upward or backward.
Exhale when you feel a contraction or compression in the abdomen. For instance, when bending forward or downward, or when twisting the spine.
Exhale when coming out of a posture and returning to a neutral position.
Do not hold your breath unless instructed. Unconscious breath-holding usually means you’re struggling in the pose.
While practicing yoga helps you develop both body and mind by bringing many health benefits, it is not a substitute for medical treatment. It is important to learn and practice yoga under the guidance of a trained Art of Living instructor. In case of any medical condition, practice yoga only after consulting your doctor or a certified Art of Living teacher.
