Breath of Joy Pranayama

Today's practice included Breath of Joy, an energising breathing technique designed to awaken the body, lift the mood and clear away mental cobwebs. By combining a series of expansive arm movements with three short inhalations followed by a long, releasing exhalation, it helps increase oxygen flow, boosts energy and can leave you feeling more positive and refreshed.

It's one of those practices that always surprises me. No matter how I feel before I start, I always feel amazing afterwards—more awake, lighter, clearer in my mind and ready to take on the day.

A few rounds can make a remarkable difference. 💛

Sheetali/Sitali Breath is a cooling yogic breathing technique that helps calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and create a sense of inner ease. It can be particularly beneficial during times of overwhelm, heat, or emotional tension. Perfect for today :-)

Meditation
A simple breath-focused meditation helped us pause, slow down, and settle into the present moment, leaving us feeling calmer, more grounded, and ready for the day ahead. 🌿✨

We explored Bhastrika breathwork or Bellows Breath today, using rhythmic, active breathing to invigorate the nervous system, increase alertness and create a sense of renewed energy and clarity.

Kapalbhati Breathwork (Skull Shining Breath) is a traditional yogic breathing practice that helps energise the body, clear the mind, and awaken vitality. Unlike many breathing techniques that focus on the inhale, Kapalbhati emphasises a series of short, sharp exhalations created by actively drawing the abdominal muscles in, while the inhalations happen naturally and effortlessly. This rhythmic practice can help improve focus, increase circulation, stimulate digestion, and leave you feeling refreshed and alert. Often used as a cleansing technique in yoga, Kapalbhati is best practised on an empty stomach and should be approached gradually, especially by beginners. It is not recommended during pregnancy or for those with uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart conditions, or certain respiratory issues. When practised mindfully, Kapalbhati can be a powerful tool for boosting energy and bringing clarity to both body and mind.

Bahya Pranayama with the Three Bandhas

In today's practice, we explored Bahya Pranayama, a powerful yogic breathing technique performed after a complete exhalation. With the breath held out, we gently engaged the three bandhas (energetic locks): Jalandhara Bandha (chin to chest/throat lock), Uddiyana Bandha (drawing the abdomen in and up), and Mula Bandha (lifting the pelvic floor).

This practice is said to help direct and contain prana (life-force energy), promoting greater focus, vitality, and inner awareness. As with all pranayama, it should be approached gently and mindfully, working within your own comfort level and never forcing the breath retention.

"When the breath becomes still, the mind follows."

Three-Part Breath (Dirga Pranayama)

Take a few moments to settle and reconnect with your breath through this calming three-part breathing practice. We gradually fill the belly, ribs, and chest on the inhale, then gently release the breath from the chest, ribs, and belly on the exhale.

This mindful breathing technique can help calm the nervous system, reduce stress and tension, improve breathing efficiency, and bring a greater sense of presence and ease. It's a wonderful practice to return to whenever you need to slow down, reset, or create a little more space in your day.

Breathe gently, move at your own pace, and enjoy the sense of calm that follows.

Abdominal Breathwork

Our breathwork practice this morning centred on abdominal breathing, encouraging full diaphragmatic breaths rather than shallow chest breathing. This simple practice can support relaxation, improve oxygen exchange, reduce stress and help bring the body into a more balanced state.

Ocean Breathwork (Ujjayi Breath)
This simple yet powerful breathing practice helps activate the body's rest and digest response, encouraging a sense of calm, balance, and ease. Often referred to as Ocean Breath due to its soft, wave-like sound, it can help quiet a busy mind, improve focus, and create a feeling of relaxed energy.

We begin by imagining we're gently fogging up a mirror with an open mouth, creating a soft sound from the back of the throat. Once familiar with the sensation, we close the mouth while maintaining the same gentle constriction in the throat, allowing the breath to flow in and out through the nose with a soothing ocean-like sound.

A wonderful practice for reducing stress, calming the nervous system, and bringing you into the present moment.

Box Breathing
A calming breath practice using equal counts for the inhale, hold, exhale, and hold. A wonderful tool for reducing stress, improving focus, and creating a greater sense of calm throughout the day.

Today's session explored Nadi Shodhana, a beautiful cleansing breath practice and one of my personal favourites. Through alternating the breath between each nostril, we invited balance between yin and yang, effort and ease, masculine and feminine energies. The result is often a sense of calm, clarity, and inner harmony.

Today’s Breathwork was inspired by the simple but powerful breathing practice Gary Brecka does each morning — designed to increase energy, sharpen focus and help regulate the nervous system. A short practice with a surprisingly powerful effect.