Your Steady Companion Through Yoga Practice !
Hello,
Did you know that an adult at rest breathes 12 to 20 times per minute? That adds up to about 22,000 breaths a day!
Take a moment to notice your breath right now—feel the inhale and exhale. Good!
Remember, breathing isn’t just a simple bodily function; it’s what keeps you—and all of us—alive.
Your lungs play an essential role in the respiratory process, supplying your body with the oxygen it needs to function. With every inhale, they draw in air, extract oxygen, and transfer it to your bloodstream—fueling every action and word, and sustaining you through each moment. With every exhale, you release carbon dioxide, a byproduct of cellular activity, helping maintain the body’s gas balance.
The guidance of breath during yoga practice makes a decisive difference compared to other sports. Growing up participating in various sports and being a physical therapist, I’ve noticed the difference.
Because the body’s basic functions remain constant—whether lifting your arm in activities like body pump, ballet, or simply waving “Hello,” the functional movement is the same: you are lifting your arm.
But in yoga, the key difference is the coordination of breath, which guides the movement like a steady companion. This intention helps you stay aware and present in both your body and mind.
Pranayama is the Sanskrit word for controlling and guiding the breath.
In every yoga class, you’ll find some form of pranayama practice. These techniques involve consciously regulating your breath to calm the mind, improve focus, and energize the body. From deep belly breathing to alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana), pranayama offers a range of tools to balance your energy and support overall well-being.
In essence, breathing isn’t just something we do—it’s what fuels us, sustaining our lives day in and day out. So, let’s take a moment to appreciate the incredible power of something as simple and fundamental as breathing.
Practice with Me: A 10-Minute Breathing Meditation
Learn more about the topic of Pranayama and print helpful resources—check out my Yoga Basics Workbook!