Have you ever wondered why, whether it’s a Sumits, Bikram, or any other yoga class, we always start with a breathing exercise? It's a beautiful tradition that has profound benefits. Let me share with you three key reasons why we start with breath, along with some personal stories that highlight the magic of pranayama.
"When the breath is unsteady, the mind is unsteady. When the breath is steady, the mind is steady, and the yogi becomes steady." Hatha Yoga Pradipika
1. The Breath Brings Us Back to the Present Moment
Imagine this: you've had a long, hectic day. Your mind is racing with thoughts about work, errands, and everything in between. As you step onto your yoga mat, the instructor asks you to close your eyes and take a deep breath in. Instantly, you feel a shift. That single breath has the power to anchor you right here, right now.
For me, this was a revelation. There were times when I'd rush to yoga class, my mind buzzing with a thousand things. But as soon as I began to focus on my breath, everything else seemed to fade away. I remember one particular class where I arrived feeling overwhelmed and scattered. The instructor led us through a simple pranayama exercise, and by the time we finished, I felt calm, centered, and ready to embrace my practice. The breath had brought me back to the present moment, allowing me to fully experience the beauty of yoga.
2. Breath is the Bridge Between Body and Mind
Breath is truly magical—it connects our body and mind in a way that nothing else can. When we breathe deeply and mindfully, we create a harmonious flow between our physical movements and our mental state.
I vividly recall a challenging yoga class where we were holding a particularly intense pose. My muscles were trembling, and I could feel my mind starting to resist. But then, I focused on my breath. With each inhale and exhale, I felt a sense of unity between my body and mind. Instead of fighting the pose, I surrendered to it. The breath helped me stay present and connected, transforming the struggle into a graceful flow. This experience taught me that breath is the bridge that harmonizes our physical and mental realms, allowing us to move with intention and ease.
3. Breath Keeps Our Practice Safe
Breathing is also a crucial safety mechanism in our yoga practice. It’s our body’s way of signaling when we need to pause or adjust.
There was a time when I was determined to master a particularly advanced pose. I pushed myself hard, ignoring the subtle signs my body was giving me. As I held the pose, I realized I was holding my breath, and soon, I started huffing and puffing. My body was clearly telling me to stop, but my mind was too focused on achieving the pose. Eventually, I had to come out of the pose and take a break. This experience was a humbling reminder that breath is our guide. When we notice we're holding our breath or struggling to breathe, it’s a signal to slow down, pause, or modify the pose. By tuning into our breath, we can practice safely and avoid injury.
Conclusion
Starting our yoga practice with a breathing or pranayama exercise is more than just a routine—it's a powerful tool that enhances our practice in profound ways. The breath brings us back to the present moment, bridges our body and mind, and keeps our practice safe.
So, next time you step onto your mat, take a moment to connect with your breath. Let it guide you, center you, and transform your practice.
Namaste.- Sumit
Comentarios