Breath vs Integrity of Pose?

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

Greetings to All! I am a new member here, although I’ve been lurking for several weeks. I look forward to getting to know each of you. :slight_smile:

I am a novice practitioner of general Hatha yoga (the teachers are trained in various disciplines). I go to a studio 1-3 times per week, depending on that week’s budget, and am trying very hard to get in the habit of a home practice my “days off”.

My question is this: During my home practice, of, for example, Sun Salutation, I find it very difficult to co-ordinate my breath with the transitions of the poses. I’m sure this is due to the very fact I am a beginner in every sense, but I also find that I tend to concentrate more on the integrity of the pose, i.e. my muscles, my spine, etc. In fact sometimes I concentrate so hard, I forget to exhale! I’m wondering what the general opinion is with regards to which is more important for me to work on, breath or posture? Perhaps with more practice, they will fall together into place?

I hope this makes sense, and appreciate in advance any input offered. :slight_smile:

Best Regards to All,

Stacey

#2

stand in a bad posture for fifteen minutes and see what happens
stop breathing for fifteen minutes and see what happens
:slight_smile:
enjoy your journey
seeker

#3

With week or more regular practice (3-4 daily rounds of Sun Salutation) you should develop the breathing rhythm. For now, concentrate on getting the fullness of the movements. With some practice, the breath will become deeper and the rate will slow. It will flow with each pose and without effort.

Blessings,

#4

With more practice (assuming the practice is a proper one) they will fall into place together.
The breath is critical. Without the breath the body is holding. However when it comes to the concept of concentration one is either concentrating or not and it is nver agressive, tight, holding, or constricting. Focus and concentration have a gentle feel. Holding the breath does not. It illicits the fear response (as though we are dying or being attacked).

Breath, alignment, posture, action, these are all important.
Your practice should build but without strain. If that means (right now) to direct your attention only to the breath then do so. I personally prefer you occupy the mind with the asana and learn (on the job) to move the breath too.

#5

Welcome! And it was explained to me that as you develop “muscle memory” and your body learns what the poses are, your breathing will come to be more fluid. This very astute teacher also told me not to focus so hard on getting the pose “exactly right” as that is not the purpose of yoga. Rather, allow your body to flow into the pose and with each breath, feel your body enjoy and fill the pose.

#6

Thank you all for your kind responses. Although it has only been a few days, I’m beginning to feel a slight change…I have been focusing on the “spirit” of the movements, rather than the “law” of the movements. My movements are a bit more natural, and with them, my breathing. (Once I stopped having to remind myself "inhale, exhale, don’t forget to breathe! lol, it got significantly easier)

Now if only my little dog could understand that mommy doing yoga is not playtime! Wet, slobbery nose during Downward Facing Dog is most curious! :slight_smile:

Again, thank you all for taking the time to respond.

Stacey