Reflection

What practice is going to serve you best today or at this time in your life?

Movement and flow, deep breathing, stillness, mudra, dancing, 

nature walk, a moment of yin yoga or a creative mix…?

Breathing

“In the end, it all comes down to the art of breathing.” -Martha Graham

When I teach a yoga class I always remind my clients that the most important thing is their breathing.

The quality of our breathing has a direct impact on our body, mind and emotional health and wellbeing. Breathing relaxes and revitalizes our body. It also quiets the mind and calms our emotions. 

The fourth limb of yoga is mindful breathing: pranayama. Pranayama is a sanskrit word meaning: prana = lifeforce yama = to extend

Through mindful breathing we can regulate the flow of prana within our body which effects the mind and body. When we deepen our breathing the body receives more oxygen and we release pent-up emotions. The breath also help release serotonin in the brain which is a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of happiness and joy.

I want to share a breathing exercise with you that I love to practice. It’s called Nadi Shodhana - Alternate Nostril Breathing. It has a very calming and harmonious effect on the body and mind. 

Take a comfortable seat. Sit for a moment and connect to the natural rhythm of your breathing. 

Bend the right index and middle finger into your palm and place your right hand in front of your nose. 

Close your right nostril with your right thumb and inhale through your left nostril.

Close your left nostril with your ring finger and exhale out of the right nostril.

Inhale through your right nostril, close the right nostril, exhale through your left nostril. Repeat, alternating nostrils.

Practice this for 3-5 minutes 

Enjoy!

Namaste, Helén