The most important part is learning the yoga practice of breathing. The automatic shallow breathing we do everyday is not the way. The correct way is to inhale through your nose as you begin counting at an even pace. One… two…three…four. Take in as much air into your lungs as you possibly can and hold it for a brief moment. Your abdomen or belly should expand as you are taking a big breath of air. Let the flow of breath into your chest and belly. When you reach the number four exhale just as slowly and evenly counting backwards. Four…three…two…one.

Placing all attention on breathing gives your thoughts a way to defuse so that you can concentrate on the task at hand-doing your yoga practice. As thoughts come up, let them pass like cars on the highway. As soon as you realize that your attention has wandered off from your breathing, bring it back gently to this important work. Teaching yourself to do this will move mountains in terms of your ability to control where your attention goes throughout the day off of your yoga mat as well.

The result in learning to concentrate on your breath during yoga practice is a feeling. It is a feeling of something familiar- peace and surrender. You will know this feeling when you come upon it. Only through patience and practice will this be disclosed to you. Your mind now becomes a tool. You may use it to reshape your thoughts and therefore, your actions as well. Fear fades and peace grows.

In conclusion, your breath should be graceful and steady. It is even more important than the form of the pose itself. Inhale on opening the body. Exhale when releasing and closing the body.

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