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
We will settle into a nice comfy seat. Checking the balance of the body’s weight, aiming for an even lift and heaviness. Imagining the sensation of being happily rising out of the pelvic bowl, while feeling fully grounded and supported.
Feeling for where the head is in space. Perhaps imagining a thread was at the very top of the skull, and you can gently tug that thread up and back ever so slightly.
See just how deep of an inhale you can take in this mindful posture. Exhaling fully out mouth or nose.
Two more breaths just like that. On your own time.
Honouring your own rhythm.
If you’re into it, maybe silently repeating this mantra to yourself, or just sitting and breathing quietly:
I am safe, I am loved, I am welcome here with myself.
Pausing to listen for a few deep breaths: is there anything the body, heart or mind need you to know?
Thanking the self for pausing to listen, take just two more deep breaths here to promise yourself one action – that will bring you closer to what the body, heart or mind requested.
I believe meditation is accessible always, and serves as an incredible tool for mental and emotional well-being. Tune in every Monday for a new FREE guided meditation – made with love.
I believe meditation is accessible always, and serves as an incredible tool for mental and emotional well-being. Tune in every Monday for a new FREE guided meditation – made with love.
with love , Esta 