In the world of yoga, the allure of mastering complex asanas (poses) often overshadows one of the practice's most fundamental and powerful elements: the breath. While the visual aesthetic of an impeccable pose might capture attention, the true essence of yoga lies in the breath. Focusing on the breath rather than the pose can revolutionize your practice, leading to profound physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Introduction to Breath in Yoga Yoga, derived from the Sanskrit word 'Yuj' … [Read more...] about Focus on the Breath, Not the Pose
pranayama
Master the 4-7-8 Breathing Technique for Instant Calm
In our fast-paced world, where stress and anxiety can feel overwhelming, finding a quick way to calm your mind and body is priceless. One of the most effective techniques for instant relaxation and stress relief is the 4-7-8 breathing technique. Rooted in the ancient yogic breath practice of pranayama, this technique is a powerful tool to reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and even help with sleep. It's like a mini-meditation you can practice anytime, anywhere, to soothe your nerves and find … [Read more...] about Master the 4-7-8 Breathing Technique for Instant Calm
Breathing Techniques: Why are they essential to yoga?
By Suzana Altero Inhale, and God approaches you. Hold the inhalation, and God remains with you. Exhale, and you approach God. Hold the exhalation, and surrender to God." ~Krishnamacharya Pranayama (breathing techniques) are a key practice of Hatha Yoga, the mother of all physical or postural yoga. They are such a core tool in this tradition that the term Hatha itself is closely connected to it. Wanna understand how? What does Pranayama mean? The word pranayama can be technically translated as … [Read more...] about Breathing Techniques: Why are they essential to yoga?
Yoga Solutions for Better Sleep
[Editor's note: This is a guest post by life coach, yoga teacher, and libreliving.com founder, Lindsey Lewis.] Apparently the National Sleep Foundation is onto something. 65% of all Americans have trouble sleeping. Here are some yoga solutions for sleep that I’ve shared along the way to help non-sleepers become dreamy sleepers. I hope they help you, too. 1. Bring the outside in. Getting outside during the day is essential. And not just outside into a concrete jungle, but somewhere with … [Read more...] about Yoga Solutions for Better Sleep
3 Quick Yoga-Based Tools to Deal with Stress
[Editor’s Note: This is a guest post from Kalavati Viv Williams, a long-time yoga practitioner, who shares three simple exercises for releasing tension and stress from our crazy lives.] Try the first technique to help manifest your positive intentions for change and as an adjunct to meditation. The second and third techniques are great for quickly easing stress. If you have an office or a little privacy they can even be done at work. 1. Sankalpa is a short phrase, like an … [Read more...] about 3 Quick Yoga-Based Tools to Deal with Stress
“He who binds the breath…
He who binds the breath, binds the mind. - Svatmarama, Hatha Yoga Pradipika Yoga works primarily with the energy in the body, through the science of pranayama, or energy-control. Prana means also ‘breath.’ Yoga teaches how, through breath-control, to still the mind and attain higher states of awareness. The higher teachings of yoga take one beyond techniques, and show the yogi, or yoga practitioner, how to direct his concentration in such a way as not only to harmonize human with … [Read more...] about “He who binds the breath…
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