It all started several years ago during a rough period in my life. In June of 2009, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I immediately went into treatment and eventually I had surgery. I was beginning to heal from that surgery when I got the news that my mother was sick. Only a few weeks later she passed away.
I was left in the aftermath: physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted. As the days went on, I found it hard to take a deep breath and even harder to sleep. I went to my doctor, who recommended that I try yoga. I took her advice to heart and found a class. There wasn't a lot that I could do in the beginning, but I just kept at it.
I learned that yoga is a practice of self-inquiry. As I moved deeper into my practice, the weight that I was holding slowly began to lift, and I felt stronger. I started to feel more alive, and I felt my breath. I learned that my shallow breathing was restricting the vital energy in my body. Yoga calls that energy Prana. I learned that the quality of our breath relates to the quality of our mind. The pace and depth of our breath reflects our mental, emotional, and physiological state.
As I began to practice the slow and deep breathing of pranayama, I created an environment in my body and mind for a deeper calm and a profound sense of letting go, creating a relaxation response I hadn’t felt in years.
I’ve witnessed the power of pranayama firsthand, for both my students and myself. Pranayama helps us to reconnect with our body and shifts our awareness away from the chatter in our mind.
On a physical level, focused breathing creates a sense of calm. By calming the body and mind, it decreases heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, and reduces anxiety, all while improving focus and attention. When we change our breath, we can change our mind and our body. However, sustained change takes time.
First, we have to start and then commit to a regular practice. A great place to start is with a simple breathing practice. My pranayama practice began with what yoga calls "three-part breathing" or "complete breath."
I would like to share a video with you (see above) that walks you through the pranayama practice of three-part breathing or complete breath. This is a great way to acquaint yourself with this simple, yet powerful, practice that you can do anytime and anywhere. Feel free to watch this video as often as you like for guidance. This practice is where the real work of regulating my central nervous system began for me.
You can practice three-part breathing any time you need to steady your mind, balance and calm your body, or increase your prana or flow of energy.
I use lavender essential oil to help facilitate the relaxation response during this practice. The aromatic compounds in essential oils have fantastic benefits. Lavender is specifically known for its calming and relaxing qualities. During my practice, I place a roll-on dilution on my wrists and then inhale deeply or place the oil in a diffuser.
What I know for sure is that each time I show up for my practice, yoga gives me the opportunity to connect with my deeper self and I leave feeling better than when I came. I hope that your practice does the same for you. Consider starting today to change your breath and change your life!
September 17, 2019
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25 Comments
Ruthy S
August 2, 2018 - 7:41am
I call it my Alone time. But I do it twice a day. once in the morning and an hour before I go to sleep.
Hope Knosher
September 3, 2018 - 5:21pm
Sounds great Ruthy. Thanks for sharing!
Cindy F 1628508549
June 17, 2018 - 7:08pm
Thanks so much !
Hope Knosher
September 3, 2018 - 5:20pm
You are welcome Cindy! Thank you for being part of the community.
Lynnette S 1892524160
June 5, 2018 - 6:41am
Thank you for sharing your arort and the breathing technique. Sucha nice way to start the day!
Hope Knosher
June 11, 2018 - 4:09pm
You are so welcome Lynnette! Glad you are enjoying it:)
Shanna S
May 27, 2018 - 6:38pm
Such an inspiration to read. Thank you so much for sharing as it was exactly what I needed today. I will follow your good advice!!
Hope Knosher
June 11, 2018 - 4:10pm
That is so awesome Shanna! Thank you for the positive feedback.
Myranda
April 1, 2018 - 1:38pm
This is great! I find it hard to find a good teacher in my area!
Hope Knosher
April 1, 2018 - 6:07pm
Hello Myranda! So glad you enjoyed it and best of luck on finding a teacher that resonates with you. Love and Light, Hope
Carol M 23624450
February 7, 2018 - 2:43pm
Loved your story-Thank you for sharing! This is inspiring for me to get back to my yoga mat after I’ve been away for several months!!
Hope Knosher
April 1, 2018 - 6:07pm
Thanks Carol and so glad to hear it! Hope you practice is going well.
juan j
February 7, 2018 - 11:54am
So Peaceful :)
Jesse M
January 25, 2018 - 4:31pm
This message is so timely. I recently discovered the power of breath through Tolle’s Conscious Breath exercise. Just being there with our breath really is so healing and soul-awakening. Also to mention, I read a scientific article recently on how mindful breathing soothes the parasympathetic nervous system! Thank you for this wonderful message.
Hope Knosher
February 5, 2018 - 6:36pm
Hey Jesse! Thanks so much for your comments and so glad you enjoyed this piece.
Elicia S
January 18, 2018 - 5:38pm
Awesome and thank you
Hope Knosher
February 5, 2018 - 6:36pm
You are so welcome!!
Debbie B
January 17, 2018 - 12:27pm
Loved it. Thank you for sharing!
Hope Knosher
January 17, 2018 - 1:46pm
Thanks Debbie! Have a lovely day:)
April D
January 15, 2018 - 8:06pm
So inspiring!
Hope Knosher
January 17, 2018 - 1:47pm
Thanks so much April! Thank you or being part of the community and for taking the time to read and watch:)
Nola D
January 15, 2018 - 7:31pm
Nicely done thank you for your instruction
Hope Knosher
January 17, 2018 - 1:47pm
You are so welcome Nola!
cmccarthy1957
January 3, 2018 - 10:07am
Loved it!
Hope Knosher
January 17, 2018 - 1:47pm
Thanks so much!
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