On Saturday at the Yoga Workshop the lovely group discussed how working with the longer slower out breath can be very calming but as we begin to add the pauses, holding the breath in and holding once empty it can be quite stressful or uncomfortable. Here are some hints to help:
Try to keep relaxed, the logical mind doesn’t like the empty hold so you are re-training your mind and body to relax into this initially awkward but soon comfortable breath control. If you like to count to help the ratio this timing works well:
In breath x 4, Holding pause x 2, Out breath x 6 & Empty pause x 2
Maybe start with pause for one count then increase as becomes easier. All of the pranayamas or breath controls help encourage better breath capacity and so better vitality! Keep Calm and breath & pause.