I was trying some yoga poses today and I can’t seem to get the breathing rhythm right. I keep inhaling and exhaling at the wrong times. It all seems kind of confusing or difficult for me. I’m not sure why I’m having a hard time at this. I never knew that breathing correctly could be such a hassle smile. Any advice?
Dear NightOwl,
The most powerful practice you can develop is your capacity to be present with your breath. It begins with starting where you are. I recommend that my students begin with developing the capacity for abdominal breathing. This can be difficult if you have developed a habit for clavicular or upper chest breathing, which is associated with stress and the “fight or flight” response. The abdominal breath is a natural, relaxing breath which has a calming and soothing effect on the body, mind, nervous system etc. Take the time to watch a sleeping baby or cat, this is the way they breathe.
Once you have become accustomed to a relaxed breath, you can begin to do other breath control patterns which deepen and lengthen the breath (pranayama), however, the capacity to elicit the relaxation and soothing of the abdominal breath will be a boon in times of stress.
Namaste,
Chandra
Hi NightOwl,
I have a suggestion for your breathing.
The abdominal breathing that Chandra is referring to usually occurs naturally when you lie down. It is also known as diaphragmatic breathing. Your diaphragm is a muscle in the lower abdomen that expands and contracts during breathing.
Learning the technique is essential to finding that “flow” that you hear everyone refer to in their practice. It is also very useful in many other activities like aerobic exercise and music. I learned the breathing young, because of music. This breathing is supported and controlled breathing, because you use the muscles of your body to help you take in maximum amounts of air, and then regulate the flow of your exhale.
The way I used to train for this was lying on the floor with a book on my belly, concentrating on the rise and fall of the belly while you’re breathing. That’s a good way to start learning how it feels.
When you’re ready, you can start standing up and practicing this breathing. I used to lean my tummy on a piano so that i’d have a physical confirmation that i was breathing properly. You can do the same using anything that you can lean your abdomen on while you’re breathing. Be conscious of the rise and fall of your body as you breathe in and out. Take the air in and all the way down into your abdomen. Your body will pop up from what you’re leaning your belly on as you fill your belly with air. Then feel your body come back to rest against what you’re leaning on as you exhale, using that belly to push the air up and out of your body.
With practice, this breath will occur more automatically, and will easily carry over into your yoga and meditation practices.
If you’re having problems breathing, I suggest you visit Master Lu’s website… The workout really increases your energy level dramtatically… take a look, tell me what you think, or if it was about to help you… http://www.masterlu.com
HazyAngelEyes, thank you for your post. I’ve been trying to figure out if I was breathing correctly for some time now, never sure if I really was. Your suggestion to lie down with a book on my belly was excellent. Now I understand!