The Power of Breath

“As breath stills our mind, our energies are free to unhook from the senses and bend inward.” - B.K.S. Iyengar

Vinyasa (flow) Yoga is a breath-centered practice. The pranayama (breath) technique we use for most classes at BFree, and in our signature BFlow classes is ujjayi. 

Ujjayi is commonly translated to mean “victorious breath.” 

This purposeful breath builds a transformative heat from the inside, energizes the body by oxygenating the blood, and creates a deep, rhythmic sound that provides a focus for your mind and body. 

In the extraordinary times we’re living in today, this connection to breath is essential to staying grounded and present. When you are centered in your body and breath, you are available to fully engage in life as it’s happening for you.

To breathe your ujjayi breath, constrict the whisper muscles at the back of your throat to create a sound and texture with each breath. The ocean-like sound becomes a metronome, an audio anchor, to keep you present in your body and with your breath.

In your practice, your breath is your body’s gauge. If you notice that your breath is getting lazy or automatic, that’s your cue to bring more attention or power to each breath. If your breath is sharp or stressed, that’s a cue from within to take it easy or go into child’s pose—to come out of the flow and back into your center. 

Notice when your mind wanders during your yoga practice and use the sound and sensations of your breath to return to your body and what you’re doing right now. Your breath creates presence, plugs you into your power, and sparks the mind-body connection.

As you practice this week, bring your expanded attention to your breath, and notice how you feel after a full hour of focus on your life-affirming, prana-rich breath.