Inside Yoga 196 (6/3/2107)

We have been doing it since the moment we were born, we need it to stay alive, but we treat it so badly that it is amazing it puts up with our behaviour. I am speaking of our breathing, which we forget frequently and get into such bad habits with that it is often a short and shallow breath at best. We need to do something about it now!

It is simple really: every time we breathe in and breathe out we need to start paying more attention to our breathing.

Then, we cultivate a full breath, which is breathing in until full, without cutting it short half way, and then, breathe out until empty, completely empty and not half empty.

This focus on our breathing is especially important when we are engaged in asanas (whether it is energetic or gentle postures) and also when we are seated practising meditation or paranayama (breathing exercises).

It is the key to our practice: our breathing is the route into a deeper practice and a better understanding of how to practice.

All we need to do is keep reminding ourselves, as I am now reminding you, to focus on a deep and full breath. This is so simple, but easily forgotten. So keep reminding yourself. Use your lungs as they were designed to be used.

Remember at any moment: apply the focus on your breathing at any time of the day and night, as this advice does not just apply to yoga practice, because we don’t need reminding that we are always breathing… or are we?

We will notice if we pay attention throughout the day that we often stop breathing, cutting our breath short and shallow. We can be just dipping into our lungs instead of plunging in. This is hardly the best use of a very important part of our life?

Connect with yourself by remembering your breathing.

Feel free to share this blog with others, and any thoughts, questions or comments contact me via the blog reply panel below or email me gary@yogabristol.co.uk