Yogic Breathing is easy, check out this step-by-step to get started. While there are many different pranayamas to explore, this basic breathing technique is plenty to get you grounded, centered, and started on your yogic adventure. The thing is, most people are not aware of their breathing at all unless they are feeling challenged by it. This may happen when you have a cold or if you feel winded following a run. In yoga, paying close attention to your breath is important (AKA Mindfulness), and breathing is a fundamental practice.
- Follow these steps for beneficial yogic breathing:
Abdominal Breathing: Observe as your abdomen rises and falls with each breath. With each inhalation, deepen, extend and lengthen the motion of your belly. Allow your abdomen to rise and fall to its limit, keeping your chest still the entire time. Continue for 20 breaths, then rest.
Thoracic Breathing: Begin by observing your normal breath, this time focusing on your chest. Observe your breathing pattern for several moments, and then begin to extend, deepen and lengthen the movement of your chest. Expand and lift your rib cage when you inhale, then let your lungs collapse completely when you exhale. Continue for 20 breaths, then rest.
Yogic Breathing: Inhale, filling your abdomen. Expand your breath upward to fill your chest. Exhale from the chest, then the abdomen, continuing to exhale as you draw your abdomen in completely. This is a single round of yogic breath. Repeat this process for 20 rounds, then rest.
Over time, yogic breathing will come naturally. Practice for a few minutes each day, and you’ll likely find yourself feeling increasingly peaceful and calm, even when you’re not actively paying attention to your breath.
Breath is a fundamental source of nourishment for all of us. If you spend a little time becoming familiar with yours, you’ll feel more rested and alert, in touch with yourself, and connected to others.
That’s It!
One of the first lessons that you learn in yoga is to take notice of your breaths and learn to let go of everything that is no longer serving you. Practice your yogic breathing using this step-by-step guide for at least a few days. Once you’ve had time to get the hang of it in practice, explore WHY breath is a pivotal part of your yoga. Then, you’re ready to move into the many ways that yoga and all of its practices combined can bless and enhance your health and daily life experiences.
Namaste Friends.
~Meg
