Why Breath?

Most of us are aware that the breath is a great indicator of how we are feeling at present.  That if we change the way we breathe, we will feel differently.  

The breath is an indicator of all we carry within us: past experiences, fears and aspirations.  This is easily seen in the way it changes when we are anxious, afraid or excited.  

The body will go on breathing without conscious inputs from the mind.  To borrow from the language of microprocessors, there is an interrupt like control that the mind can and does exercise over the breath.  The relationships between the body, mind and breath are all two way.  

Another way to look at our selves is to be able to distinguish between the different personas we wear at home, work and in several other contexts.  The posture, voice and breath vary.  The experience of dis-ease (in the body, mind, breath, voice etc) may be the result of inner conflict between the desires of these personas.

Life is full of these conflicts (often referred to as dharma sankata in Yoga philosophy).  The answers that we seek, do not come from the space that generates the questions.  Breathing practices often work with this sense of expanding our inner space allowing us to look at our questions from a broader perspective,  to access creative solutions.

Having healthy relationships at work and elsewhere necessarily means we must continue to foster and refine our boundaries, as individuals and teams.  Yoga practices that use sound, movement and breath bring this much needed renewal and ease.  

Try this

Sit / lie down / stand comfortably and close your eyes (if comfortable).  

Bring your attention to the body - where and how it makes contact with the floor.  

What is happening at this interface between the body and floor every time you exhale?  Feel through this inquiry rather than rushing to answer that question.

Observe this for a few minutes.

Then take your attention to your posture.  Can you observe without judgement / adjustment?  

Now that your attention is focussed on the posture, how do you change it?  Can you watch yourself do this?

After a few minutes, bring your attention to the breath.

Can you watch all the thoughts / judgements / concerns that arise when you do this?

How does the breath change as you continue to watch it?

Open your eyes after a few minutes (or continue to practice =))

The Krishnamacharya tradition is anchored in the breath.  Practices start with the sahanavavatu chant.   I like to think of the breath as the remover of darkness (Guru) that is ever with us, lovingly supporting and facilitating our journey of life, when I chant this shanti mantra.