Central Breath Teaching
Early on in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika–a 15th century yogic text–Svātmārāma draws a comparison between the breath (prana) and the mind (chita), and likens them to two fish swimming in tandem. Where one goes the other follows.
Our breath follows our thoughts and vice versa–they are two sides of the same coin–if you are anxious your breath is different than if you are depressed, or if you are joyous. Breath provides a mirror reflection of our inner world.
The breath-mind connection suffuses asana, pranayama & meditative methods; all of which commonly involve conscious manipulation or tending to the breath,.
You can shape your breath to shape your thoughts.
With repeated practice, the breath and mind become very, very still. The mind stands like a clear full moon, reflected in motionless water. Breath and mind suspended. In that space of stillness, unencumbered peace emerges.
As a simple practice:
- Inhale a smooth full-breath through the nose and into the belly.
- Exhale a long, smooth breath out through your mouth or nose. Make it about twice as long as your inbreath without any strain.
- Repeat 3-5 times and notice the affect.