MODUAL 1

It is the absorption in the present moment (amanaska) where dualistic thinking is transcended.
Many are mistaken by believing Samadhi is the final goal of yoga. It is but a temporary state
of mind that we enter based on the conditions that we have nurtured to support it.
It’s useful to remember that every moment in your life gives you an opportunity to practice the
eight limbs. Learn at your own pace, but stay focused, consistent, and enjoy the journey!
THE POWER OF THE BREATH
Breath is an essential staple of every yoga practice. By focusing on the breath, a yogi is able
to stay in the present moment. Since the breath is neutral, a yogi neither seeks to avoid it, nor
is she eager to chase it. Proper and continuous breath helps clear the mind of distracting
thoughts and to remain in the present moment with one-pointed concentration.
Deep, conscious breathing also slows down the heartbeat and activates the parasympathetic
nervous response, which soothes the nervous system, and allows the muscles to relax into the
stretches and stay strong in the strength-based yoga poses. Maintaining deep, fluid breathing
will help transform your yoga practice into a moving meditation.
Ujjayi pranayama is one of the most commonly used breathing techniques in every yoga
practice. Ujjayi means “victorious” in Sanskrit. When practicing this breathing technique, a yogi
creates what can be described as the “ocean sound” in the back of the throat by gently
squeezing the glottis (the opening between the vocal cords in the throat). You’re aiming to
create a breathy and whispery sound at the back of the throat. The sound is often compared
to the sound Darth Vader makes when breathing! In order to practice ujjayi breath, first sit in a
comfortable position. Inhale through the nose and, as you exhale, imagine you are trying to fog
up a glass. Try to inhale with the same sound. Once you feel like you have an understanding
of the ujjayi breath technique, seal your lips in order to prevent the throat from drying out. (A
dry throat usually leads to coughing and drinking water, which distracts you from your yoga
practice.) Inhale and exhale through the nose, while still maintaining the sensation in the throat
of trying to fog up a glass.
Using breath to facilitate poses:
• Keep your breath deep and rhythmic.
• If your breathing becomes restricted or choppy, there is a good chance that you are pushing
yourself unnecessarily. In this case, you should ease off the pose and return to a place that
promotes smooth and fluid breathing.
• The body lifts up and lengthens on the inhale. For example, lift up from a forward bend into
a mountain pose on the inhale, using the inhale to lengthen the limbs of the body and the spine.
Use the exhales to go deeper into the pose.
The key to happiness is under your nose Discover the
secrets of breath
Ask any Art of Living teacher how one acquires an unshakable smile and you will get the simplest yet
most profound knowledge: by using the breath. Is it really as easy as that?
Have you ever noticed breathing patterns change according to the feelings you are having? When you
are angry, which rhythm does your breath assume? A series of shallow and short breaths.
What about when you are relaxed and joyful? You take long, deep breaths. The obvious conclusion is
that the breath is influenced by how we feel, but can our negative emotions be transformed by using
the breath? Certainly.