Breath sustains life. While it's possible to go without food and water for a short period of time, you simply can't survive without air. And while breath is an essential life-sustaining element, the benefits reach even beyond the continuance of life. When you learn about yoga breathing, the mental, physical and spiritual aspects of living are enhanced in ways you never thought possible.
In the practice of yoga, breathing is the bridge that connects the mind, body, and spirit. To experience the full benefits, it's important to learn about yoga breathing and master the techniques with as much dedication as given to the yoga asanas, or poses.
Breathing Is Powerful
It connects and expands the senses, rejuvenating the body and soul. The diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen, plays a crucial role in the physical benefits you derive from yoga.
In a relaxed state the diaphragm pushes air upwards from the lungs. As it contracts, it presses into the abdomen and digestive organs. With all the discomforts and stresses in everyday life, we often breathe only from the upper part of our lungs. This type of breathing severely restricts the lung's ability to function properly - it can no longer gather fresh, renewing oxygen and expel carbon dioxide at peak efficiency.
When this happens, our bodies pay the price. We tire easily, we lack energy, a mental fog descends, and we find our moods shifting towards negativity. However,when you learn about yoga breathing, you'll find just a few cleansing, deep breaths from the diaphragm will dramatically change all of that. Oxygen floods the body and energizes circulation. As the diaphragm contracts downward, our cells are better able to receive essential nutrients while toxins are released.
Proper breathing also aids digestion and bowel movements as food and waste moves more freely through the digestive tract. The meditative state associated with yoga breathing unites and mental and physical states.
Living In The Moment
With each breath, we become aware of being fully present in "the now". As our breathing becomes more focused, a connection to the spiritual begins. When the mental and physical combine we are able to observe and simply "let be" without passing judgment. The trivial things that once seemed so significant lose their relevance. Rather than longing for our desires, we feel content. Pressures dissipates and acceptance flows.
Our dreams, needs, and goals are fully within our reach. With every breath, prana, the vital life force, is brought in. If performed properly, yoga breathing allows the life energy to flood our body, which in the process, enhances our our connection and perceptions while improving our physical state.
