Mindfulness Through Breath Work: A Guide
Q: What makes yoga stand out among other no-equipment work outs?
A: The breath.
Read on to learn 3 breath work tools to bring more mindfulness into your every day!
The first place of awareness in a yoga practice, once you’ve settled in to begin – is to check in with the breath.
Following an inhale and exhale with your awareness.
This awareness is intended to remain throughout your entire practice, guiding your movements with (generally) expanding or lifting on the inhale and contracting or lowering on an exhale.
I recently attended one of many amazing classes at Open Concept yoga studio, here in Winnipeg… and the teacher reminded us (in a fiery little twist pose) that:
“this is a breathing exercise.“
It was so simple, and so exactly what I needed to hear, that I had a little chuckle.
Once I learned to let my breath be my anchor, I could use this tool on and off the yoga mat.
- When frustrated with traffic, I could find the breath in the body (usually up in my chest or throat) … and focus on deepening and slowing the breath.
- When nervous, utilizing a physiological sigh … one deep inhale, topped up with a bonus sip of air, tiniest of pauses… and then a full, slow exhale.
- When joyful, mindfully breathing and soaking in the moment with every possible sense… logging that snippet of time by being fully present.
Thank you for joining me on this exploration into the power of the breath on and off the yoga mat!
Check out the new trailer for With Love Esta on Spotify! 👇
I believe meditation
(including “breath work” exercises like the ones above)
is accessible always and serves as an incredible tool for mental and emotional well-being.
To introduce this toolkit into your life,
my aim is to provide short and sweet guided meditations
so you can build up your own meditation practice.
Tune in every Monday for a new FREE guided meditation – made with love.
You can find the BREATHE with Love collection on YouTube & on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
with love , Esta 
2 thoughts on “Thoughts with Love | Start with the Breath”