Namaste...Just Breathe

I've practiced yoga on and off since my early 20's...trying several different types. Over the past year I've really become more serious about my practice. I might go to the yoga studio kicking and screaming some days but once I leave there I feel great. I also have the best yoga teachers and just love seeing them. If you happen to live in my neck of the woods, this is where I go

It's such a place of love and spirituality and goodness that it just makes you feel super! I wish everyone could find a place like that to unwind from their life. I really implore all of you, even if you think you have no time at all, take one hour out of your week and connect and be in the moment.

One important part of yoga practice is your breathing. It truly is one of the most important parts of the entire practice.

So I am going to let you in on a little secret. You can do this breathing while you are sitting in your car, watching TV, breastfeeding, taking a bath, sitting on the subway...whenever you get a free moment.

It is called Ujjayi Pranayama (pronounced ood-jaw-yee praa-naa-yaa-ma) also known as "ocean breath" because you narrow the inside of your throat, which exaggerates the sound of your breath, so you can hear it. Imagine the flow of the ocean - the waves crashing in and then pulling back - that is what you can imagine while taking your Ujjayi breath.

Take a moment to narrow your throat (you can clear your throat to find the muscles - don't use your neck muscles - this is all about what is inside). Breathe through your nose and as you slow down your breath and smooth out the flow, the sound becomes consistent and steady (kind of like darth vader:). Slowing your breath and breathing the Ujjayi breath for 20 minutes does wonders for your body and soul!

If your mind is racing or your anxiety and stress level are high - you need to do more breathing! The slow pace of your Ujjayi breath allows time for your cells to absorb the oxygen you are inhaling, improving the efficiency of your cellular respiration further. This breathing practice improves your metabolism, which affects the way your body handles nutrients from your food. At the same time each exhalation empties out more toxins and waste products than all other forms of excretion combined.

Ujjayi Pranayama quiets your mind and gives you an inner base of surety that makes everything easier to handle. If you need healing for any condition do Ujjayi Pranayama for 20 minutes twice a day - think of it as bookends of your day!

If you cannot do 20 mins...then 5 minutes is better than nothing. Just remember to breathe and if thoughts pop into your head while doing this exercise just let them float by and just picture the ocean along with the flow of your breath!