Calm Breath, Still Mind

"When the breath wanders, the mind is unsteady. But when the breath is calmed, the mind too will be still, and the yogi achieves long life. Therefore, one should learn to control the breath." Hatha Yoga Pradapika (Mid-14th Century)

I love the quote, "we can't breath deep and be anxious at the same time." This week, I'm working on noticing what my breath is like and working to slow the breath down as a way to calm the mind.

In our yoga practice our breath work is called Pranayama. If you're not familiar with this term:

Prana= life force or energy 
Yama = control

So pranayama is the practice of controlling or influencing the vital energy within every breath. We'll use our breath this week, as always, to redirect the mind away from the inner chatter. We will create space in the body and the mind using our breath as an anchor.

Breath work can easily be done off the mat throughout your day! If you're not sure where to start with breath practices, try inhaling for a 5 count and exhaling for a 5 count. Practice a few rounds. Notice what it feels like to have your inhale and exhale be equal in length!