Consider your breath more than respiration. Your breath is connected to every movement, emotion, and every word you speak. By expanding your lung capacity you reduce the chance of falling victim to sickness and negativity.

Your breath is the source of life. By making the breath slow, deep, and conscious, we release tension, calmness returns to the mind, we develop a new awareness and insight which in turn uplift your consciousness.

Simple Yogic Breathing:

All breathing is done through the nose, unless otherwise specified.

On the inhale the belly goes out, the diaphragm moves down, drawing air into the bottom of the lungs. The rib cage expands and air is pulled into the mid-lung. The collarbones lift and air comes into the upper lung filling the lungs completely.

On the exhale the chest falls, the diaphragm draws up, the belly goes in as the last bit of air is emptied from the lungs.

Long Deep Breathing:

If you establish a habit of breathing deeply and slowly, you will develop patience and endurance.

Breath of Fire:

This breath is used frequently throughout Kundalini Yoga kriyas. Breath of Fire is a rapid, rhythmic breath through the nose, unless otherwise specified. There is equal emphasis on the inhale and exhale. It resembles sniffing and creates a sound of a steam engine.

Benefits of Breath of Fire:

• Warms up the body
• Purifies and oxygenates the blood - especially to the brain, rejuvenating the brain's neurons
• Expands lung capacity
• Strengthens the nervous system
• Cleans the mucous linings of the lungs
• Adding BOF to an exercise shortens the times it takes to reach the desired effect

Alternate Nostril Breathing:

The right and left nostrils act as thermostat for your body temperature and energy. Breathing through the left nostril is cooling and mind expanding. The right nostril draws in vitality and energy and brings about a state of mental alertness.

Technique: Use the thumb and index finger on the right hand to make a U shape. Close the left nostril with the index finger, inhale deeply through the right nostril. At the end of the inhalation, close the right nostril with the thumb and exhale through the left nostril completely. Now inhale through the left nostril deeply. Close the left nostril exhale through the right. Repeat the pattern.