YOGA FOR BEGINNERSDid that feel a little bit better? I’m guessing it did. Take it
one step further.
- Inhale slowly through your nose.
- Let your ribs expand.
- Keep breathing in and let your belly expand.
- Hold it there at the top.
- Slowly exhale.
That should’ve felt entirely different than the first breath
you took.
Continue to breathe in this slow, deep manner. As
you get more comfortable with this breathing, add a slight
constriction in the back of your throat, kind of like you were
trying to fog up a mirror. This will create a soft sound, like an
ocean wave that should be barely audible. This breath is the
Ujjayi Pranayama. You’ll hear teachers talk about it a lot as
you move through poses.
Once you learn how to breathe in this manner, you can
use it to relieve stress. Stop at any point in your day, espe-
cially when you’re feeling overwhelmed, and practice this
breathing. After a few breaths you will be more relaxed. Try
it for a minute or two and you might start to experience a
stronger sense of calm.
Now imagine linking the breath with movement. You’ll
get another feeling that might be entirely new to you.