Why learn to breathe?

by Rogier van Eijk
 
Breathing is an important aspect of yoga. Why? What are the benefits of learning to breathe?

 

A basic technique of vinyasa yoga is Ocean Breathing: taking deep and slow breaths making a whispering sound in the back of the throat reminding us of ocean waves washing the shore.

 

It is a simple technique yet with profound benefits:

 

Weight lifting strengthens the body. So does Ocean Breathing. By slowing down the breathe the lungs and respiratory muscles have to work harder which will make them stronger.

 

No oxygen means no energy. By inhaling deeper we receive more oxygen which leads to more energy. Imagine a summer holiday in the mountains. When you step outside in the early morning. The first breath you take. How alive you feel after this deep breath!

 

We need to get rid of our waste material. Carbon dioxide is a toxin. By exhaling deeper we eliminate more carbon dioxide out of our body. At the same time we cleanse our mind by letting go of all thoughts we no longer need.

 

Concentration gives power. For where would a scientist, artist or top athlete be without her skill to focus all her attention on her work? By continuously listening to the sound of our breath we increase our ability to focus and concentrate.

 

Feelings, thoughts and emotions affect our breath. When we are angry, confused or stressed out, our breath will be shallow, hasty or irregular. The breath is a barometer. By attending to our breath we start to learn and understand more about the weather inside.

 

And last but not least ...

 

The rhythms of nature calm us down. The mind quiets and the body releases its tensions. Slow even breathing brings us back to our normal state of being. Balanced rather than stressed. Not easy in our times - relaxation is an art itself.

 

Hope this is of interest to you.

 

Rogier teaches at Yoga Moves - check the schedule for his classes.