Greetings lovely readers!
This week we embark on week three of October and continue to delve into the theme: Your Yoga Toolbox.
In previous weeks, we discussed the importance of having a toolbox and the value of maintaining a beginner’s mind. Today, we discuss the significance of breath in our personal practice.
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Now, on to the breath!
Over the course of the last year, I’ve sustained two painful injuries. They aren’t life altering by any means, but they did alter the way I practice yoga.
The first, a knee injury, eliminated pigeon, goddess and a few other standing poses from my practice. The second, tendinitis in my shoulder, took out downward dog and plank. Goodbye vinyasa.
In time, I hope to reintroduce most of these poses. For now, they are not an option.
I used to hop out of bed and practice whichever sequence I was in the mood for. Now, I have to be careful. Many of my favorite morning classes don’t work anymore.
After years of practicing yoga with no impediments, it’s been a challenging adjustment. I feel like I’m starting over.
I cannot use pigeon pose to release stored emotion, downward dog to stretch tight, tired legs first thing in the morning, or sun salutations to energize my day.
But, I can sit on my mat and feel my chest rise with every inhale, allow my belly to expand as it fills with air and savor the sweet release of a long, slow exhale.
My injuries have stripped my practice to the most essential qualities, forcing me to slow down and reconnect to my breath and, as a result, to myself.
Each time I sit with my breath and surrender to what is possible for me now, I am reminded of how simple yoga is: breathe in, breathe out, repeat.
The True Meaning of the Practice
I have been guilty of pushing myself too hard in my personal practice and losing sight of the true purpose of asana.
Lately, i’ve shifted my fitness focus to swimming and walking. I still practice yoga every morning, but in a slower, gentler way. This takes the pressure off of my practice and allows it to evolve beyond exercise.
My morning ritual is more cohesive. Before the injuries, I practiced in two, separate parts: movement and meditation. Now, they are woven together with intention, awareness and the golden thread of breath.
I’ll be honest, reframing my entire personal practice has been disorienting, but I know I won’t feel this way forever.
Like breadcrumbs leading me home, i’ll follow my breath back to harmony and wholeness.
Put It Into Practice
Centering your yoga practice around your breath ensures that, no matter what life throws at you, you will never lose your way. Think of your breath as a reliable compass that always points you in the right direction.
This week I am offering four, breath-focused classes: two asana classes with Adriene Mishler and two meditations with Faith Hunter.
Breathe & Body Practice - 30 Days of Yoga | Yoga With Adriene
22 Minutes | All Levels | Beginner Friendly
This class has been a favorite of mine since Adriene published it 8 years ago. I’ve practiced it over and over again, and I’ve even adapted it to teach in my own classes.
Experience what it feels like to synchronize your movements with your breathe in this fun, engaging class.
Reunite with Your Breath | 19 Minute Breath Practice | Yoga With Adriene
19 Minutes | All Levels | Beginner Friendly
This gentle, luscious class is designed to help practitioners tune into breath and move from a place of stillness, on the mat and through the world.
Enjoy this sweet, meditative class.
Calm Your Mind | Breath and Meditation with Faith Hunter
13 Minutes | All Levels | Beginner Friendly
I must say, of all the voices out there in the yoga world, Faith Hunter’s is my favorite. Her honeyed tone and calming presence are just some of the qualities that make her meditations exceptional.
I’ve been practicing this meditation with Faith all week. I love it and I think you will too.
Calming Breathing Exercise and Meditation | Faith Hunter
10 minutes | All Levels | Beginner Friendly
Here, we have an introduction to “Alternate Nostril Breathing”, an exercise that calms the nervous system and is said to help practitioners breathe better.
“Alternate Nostril Breathing” is an excellent tool for times of stress. Practice regularly for maximum, long term benefits.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose to practice these classes, or go your own way, spend the next week connecting to your breath and you truly cannot go wrong!
Let me know in the comments:
Did you try any of the classes? What did you think?
How did it feel to reconnect with your breath? Amazing? Relaxing? Strange? Uncomfortable?
Did you notice any changes in your life, outside of your yoga practice?
Can’t wait to hear how it went!
As usual, please share! Sharing helps get the message out and welcomes more people into the wonderful world of home yoga.
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See you all next week!!
Aaaahhhh 🌬 I know I can always use the reminder to breath deeper. Maybe I should write it on my hand so every time I see it I take a slower, deeper breath. ✨🙏🧘♀️