Stop & Breathe - The Power of The Lungs

I was supposed to sit and write a newsletter that was already overdue. I wanted to write about how Yoga Therapy can help with weight loss. When I sat at the desk, I knew that the task would be challenging. I had had two delicious cups of gingersnap oat milk latte, and for me, that was one cup too much. My body was slightly shaking, and my heart racing. It wasn't the first time in my life that I made such a mistake. The seasonal coffee drink that I got yesterday on sale at Green's Market was irresistible.

Being a practical yoga person, I closed my eyes, brought attention to my somewhat crazy heartbeat, and then to my breath. I watched my breath for a few moments, and then I began practicing my favorite 3-part yogic breathing. From the outside, it just looked as if I was sitting with my eyes shut. Inside me, a mini-tornado was transforming into a gentle breeze. In less than 5 minutes, my heartbeat felt normal, the restlessness was gone, and I was ready to concentrate on my writing.

I reflected then on how often I use my breath as an emergency tool.

I thought of a few times when I had to drive from yoga classes in the city late at night, and I decided to have an espresso not to fall asleep while driving. The drive was safe, but then I was too awake to go to bed and had to wake up in the morning. Regardless of my level of wakefulness, a few minutes of conscious breathing, and I was always able to fall asleep.

I thought of the instances when I woke up in the middle of the night, feeling anxious, and worried I wouldn't be able to fall asleep. Breathing also worked like magic then.

All the times when I wanted to concentrate on preparing for a class or do some other assignment, but my mind was all over the place - a few minutes of alternate nostril breathing would always bring me to where I was supposed to be.

Anytime I get agitated, confused, or angry; it's always breath that comes to the rescue.

In my yoga and yoga therapy practice, I take breathing techniques very seriously. That's where I always start. The benefits are countless. I love to listen to my clients' reporting how learning how to breathe properly literally changed their lives. And it&#x