Breathwork 1 min read
One Breath Before the Pose
Before you begin your āsana, spend a few minutes listening to your breath — a simple way into pranayama that anyone can try.
Yoga classes often begin with an invitation to notice the breath. This is not a warm-up; it is already yoga.
Begin by not changing it
For the first few breaths, simply observe without changing anything. The coolness of the in-breath through the nose, the warmth of the out-breath. Where the movement is — belly, chest, back.
Lengthen the out-breath a little
When you feel settled, let the exhalation become slightly longer than the inhalation — perhaps in for four counts, out for six. Adjust the numbers freely; nothing should feel forced.
Toward the classical practices
This quiet observation is also a doorway to classical practices such as Nadi Shodhana and Ujjayi breath.
The breath is the closest practice we have — always here.
If you feel breathless or dizzy, return to natural breathing straight away.