While we breathe

Remember to breathe.

Start with two minutes. It doesn’t matter when. First thing in the morning or just before bed. It doesn’t really matter. Only the start is important.

Sit on the floor, or on an exercise ball, or on a chair. Close your eyes and relax. Focus on your breath.

Normal breathing to begin. Nothing fancy. Nothing that you can’t manage on your own, seated, quiet, alone.

In time, pranayama: “the method whereby the life force can be activated and regulated in order to go beyond one’s normal boundaries or limitations [source].”

  1. Inhalation
  2. Internal breath retention
  3. Exhalation
  4. External breath retention

Work at it. Time your inhalation: 1-2-3-4-hold. Time your exhalation: 1-2-3-4-hold. Become aware of your breath and your own capacity to breathe. Develop rhythm. 1-2-3-4-hold. Deep and slow. 1-2-3-4-hold. Strong and calm.

Start with two minutes of conscious breathing and build. Two minutes is all it takes to start.