Breath is life. From ancient texts about the creation of the world, we often find that it all started with a single breath. Which goes to show just how powerful our breath is.
In a time when things move quickly and stress symptoms are high, its easy to lose our breath. Often times we’ll find that we’ve been holding our breath or breathing shallowly in our chest as we tense up and stress or anxiety overwhelm us. But a daily breath practice can be the needed tool to find not only release but peace.
There are a variety of breath practices to choose from Nadi Shodhana breath (Alternate Nostril Breathing), to Lion’s Breath, to a variety of other breathwork techniques, you’ll find practices that calm or energize, that sooth or wake-up. Our breath has the power to move us in a new direction, to give us new life, and to release all the burdens we’re holding in.
Cosmic breath is a breathwork practice that helps you to be fully present to your breath. Alternating between breathing through your nose and your mouth you create a repetitive pattern that allows your mind to settle, your muscles to relax and of course your breath to deepen, allowing you the full release you need with a deep exhale.
To practice this breathwork you’ll want to find a comfortable seat either on a chair with your back supported or on your mat with a block or bolster to help elevate your hips. When you’re ready let all the air out of your lungs until they are fully empty. Then take a deep belly filled breath in through your nose. Once fully filled you’ll exhale through your mouth. Again in-hale with a fully belly breath through the mouth and at the top exhale through the nose. Repeat this over and over again, switching from mouth breathing to nostril breathing at the top of each breath. You can do this for as long as you need but we suggest sticking with at least 5-minutes of breathwork to feel the full effects of this practice (Longer is always welcome).
Practice along with Ohana Yoga Teacher, Devon Barrow as she walks you through this 5-minute breathwork practice in the video below.
Katie Jackson is an Ohana YTT Graduate and Artist in the Denver Area. She creates artwork and wallpaper that showcases the magic in the ordinary and helps others live a simpler more peaceful life. Get tips + resources to create a calmer life and home with her free slow living library