Beginning with Breath

Breath is available anytime, anywhere. The effects of inhale and exhale can make a difference in both body and mind. By taking a long breath in- one can create space and expansion in the body. Exhale can eliminate toxins such as worry, anxiety and stress. The simple act of taking a breath can bring one into the present moment. By becoming aware of breath one can focus on the inhale and exhale.

Begin with a four count inhale and exhale for four counts. Visualize the inhale beginning at the belly and climbing up the chest towards the collar bones. Exhale seeing the breath moving down the chest towards the belly. Maintain a relaxed upward lift of the chest as the inhale and exhale continue. Starting with a few minutes each day one can see the benefits of breath.

The benefits I’ve experienced with a breathwork practice have brought opening and space to the body. Calm and balance to a daily schedule. An awareness of the present moment.

What I’ve found through practicing breath that I can do it seated, standing, at home, on a plane, in a mall and anywhere really…
When challenging times come up in a day, I look for breath to assist me, to provide that long deep breath in of vitality, and an exhale to let all that stuff go that doesn’t serve me…

The great thing about breath- it’s always available…

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Boost your mood with yoga!

Usually on the day’s you don’t feel like going to yoga class or partake in home practice are the day’s we need it the most! I’ve noticed both in myself as a practicioner and as an instructor that once the body get’s moving, mood changes. Movement energizes the body by giving it
prana, life force energy. Yoga decreases cortisol levels, the stress hormone, and bring balance to the body. Yoga practice increases
GABA levels in the brain. The benefits are limitless and can turnaround
mood!

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Coming into Breath- Yogic Breathing

I taught a yoga class this Monday for yogaHOPE. I teach at a residential treatment house for women getting treatment for alcohol and drug addictions. Today the mood in the house was one of the ladies wanting to do in class. Wanting to breathe and wanting to move. We focused on integrating both breath and movement. How can breath help one to move with ease and not struggle. The simple act of making a conscious effort of being aware of breath can create opening in both body and mind. Yogic breathing can begin with ujjayi breathing or ocean sounding breath. Other beginning yogic breathwork is viloma pranayama (breathing) or stair step breathing.
There is one thing that is always available and that is one’s breath.
So little by little we breathe to create space. Over time breath moves from a shallow breath to a deep breath. Yogic breath is prana, life force energy! Breathe in the new and breathe out the old!

Reference- Light on Pranayama- The Yogic Art of Breathing
BKS Iyengar

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Up & Moving in the New Year!

Each year we are faced with resolutions of change. What should I give up or do in the upcoming New Year. It is a great time of looking back and looking forward. I remember a teacher once saying to me, “Look at your daily living, is it surrounded with thoughts, people, foods and resolutions that move you forward or backward.” Wow, what an Aha moment! The natural
movement of life is forward not back… Each day we have the opportunity to create who we want to be. To align ourselves with our true being/nature. You have all the tools you need within. Not sure how to begin? Find a community, yoga studio, friend, family member that may have exactly what you’re looking for and support you on the way.
My resolution for the New Year is continuing to share the teaching of yoga and to work on those yoga poses I find challenging. When you open up to something new, you never know what awaits!

Good wishes of Health, Happiness & Movement in the New Year!

Namaste~Kat

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