Power of the Breath

The discipline of Yoga highlights the benefits of observing and regulating the breath. In the Yoga Sutras, the 2,000 year-old primary source of classical yoga, Patanjali describes the 8 limbs of the Yoga Path. The fourth of these limbs is Pranayama, Sanskrit for 'expansion of vital energy through control of the breath'. Prana represents the energy, or life force, that circulates through the body and is taken into the body by the breath.

To increase Prana in the body, we practice deep mindful breathing. By being mindful or conscious of the breath, we bring the attention to the present moment. This attentiveness to the here and now helps us to see and appreciate the elements of life that are revealed to us at any given moment. Mindful breathing takes us deeper and deeper into the moment and we come to realize how much of our time is actually spent thinking about the past or the future. This 'mind chatter' - attachments to the past or expectations of the future - disrupts vital energy leaving us depleted and vulnerable to imbalance and illness.

Breath Awareness is one of the most important elements of performing yoga poses. When done correctly, it energizes and supports the body in every movement. The breath forms the bridge between the body and the mind. It calms and focuses the mind, cultivating a feeling of spaciousness and serenity in both the body and the mind.

Source: Yoga Sutras of Patanjali