Yoga is a 6000-year-old form of exercise which not only disciplines the body but conditions the mind as well.
The practice of yoga is largely thought of as just the asanas (postures and exercises), but breath is really at the heart of yoga training. Some have said “if you can breathe, then you can do yoga”. The use of breathing techniques to quiet your mind is one of the primary objectives of yoga.
By practicing yoga on a regular basis, you get to know your breath intimately. Not only will you learn about proper breathing , which will soothe and relax you, but you will bring your postures to life through the use of your breath.
Our minds tend to wander; thinking of the future and the past constantly. With yoga, you’ll train yourself to consider the present – where we are, where our bodies exist. The practice of yoga through breathing techniques helps you to draw your thoughts inward and release all of your worries and tensions.
One of the refreshing aspects about yoga is that, even if only for a minute, you are able to focus and concentrate on the present, and you are learning to let go of the cares and concerns that can bring tension and disease to your body.
Yoga teaches the practice of conscious breathing while doing poses – this fosters consciousness of your technique and greater mental alertness. By drawing your mind into the moment and forgetting all else, you will garner the benefits which yoga has to offer.
The following breathing exercise is a simple method of practicing yoga that will help you to let go of stress and balance your mind.
* Lie or sit still in a comfortable position and be aware of your breathing.
* Be aware of your breath while you inhale and exhale, counting to four each time. Do this several times.
* Next, make your inhalations and exhalations last for five counts each.
* Next, increase your inhalations and exhalations to 6 counts each. This time try to become aware of your body ” making sure you are not tensed.
* Continue increasing the count of your breathing until you get to nine. If you start to feel stressed, drop back down to a number that is more comfortable.
* Keep bringing your mind back to your body to check to see if there is any tension anywhere. If there is, try to relax that part of your body.
* Whatever your final number of breaths is, continue breathing with long breaths for several rounds, then drop the counting and breathe naturally for 10 rounds.
What you should discover from this exercise, as well as with many of yogas other breathing exercises, is the ability to relax your thoughts and to still your mind so that you are present in your body. In time, you will eventually gain mastery over your breath so that you will be able to call on your breath to still your mind in times of stress and tension.
