“Yoga is about changing our habits.” Rodney Yee

It is our habit to shorten the breath when sensation increases. This is a coping mechanism. A wonderful defense of the human organism to ward off the shock of traumas large and small.

In yoga practice the possibility is to feel more. Yoga helps us increase sensitivity and awareness. Ultimately this helps us make more skillful, conscious choices and allows us to create greater fulfillment in life.

And it all starts with the breath. Inhalations help us feel. Exhalations help us relax. There are a number of powerful yogic breathing techniques. The basic ones are useful in everyday life as well.

The initial yogic breathing technique is Dirgha pranayama (pronounced Deer-guh). This is also called the Complete Breath or Three-part Breath. It is fully inflating the lungs in the three regions of the abdomen, thorax and cavicle or belly, ribs and upper chest. The full inhalation is followed by fully relaxing, allowing the breath to spill out. A simple approach is to experiment with lengthening the inhalation and exhalation. Let it be an exploration. Notice how it feels. Avoid creating tension. Notice the effect. Practice regularly. Remember inhalations help us feel. Exhalations help us relax.

Stay tuned for more occasional posts of The Principles of Gentle Yoga.