Monday, August 29, 2016

BREATH, The Very Foundation of Yoga

I think you would agree that our health is the most important aspect of our lives and yet, most of us don’t pay much attention to it until it fails us in some way.  The reason I practice yoga is because I am committed to having the highest quality of life until my last breath, and to enjoy the process.  

I admire people who run or participate in sports to help maintain a healthy body.  I was never good at sports or running.  I have done a lot of walking over the years, however, it wasn’t until I was introduced to yoga about 15 years ago, around age 62, that I fell in love with an activity that helps keep me healthy and happy.  

Let me give you a small sample of what, why and how you could start practicing yoga on a regular basis.  Sit on your mat or the floor in 'easy pose', with your legs crossed.

The most important thing we do every day is to breathe and yet most of us use very little of our lung capacity.  Let’s all take three deep breaths right now.  Breath is the very foundation of yoga.  All of the movements we make in yoga are accompanied by deliberate and focused breathing.  

How are you feeling right now?  Let’s take three more deep breaths, but this time I want you to relax your shoulders.  Place your hands palms up on your knees, straighten your spine and lift your chin as if your head is dangling from a thread.  In order to breathe deeply your belly will expand.  I like to relax and close my eyes.  Pay attention to how you are feeling.  

Now breathe to the very bottom of your lungs to the count of four and do it three times.  How do you feel now?  This is just the beginning of yoga.  There are several other types of breathing that will not only help you in your yoga practice but will bring more oxygen into your blood and especially to your brain.  Some methods are energizing and some are calming.  Let's face it, breathing just makes you feel better.  www.gobodhiyoga.com

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