Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor
– Thich Nhat Hanh
Time flies, my baby is now five weeks old. So, I decided it was time to share the Yoga tools that I used during the birth. I used every tool in my Yoga tool box including asanas (poses), essential oils, mantras, affirmations and pranayama (breathing techniques). The greatest gift during my labour was my breath.
Our bodies breathe on autopilot but when we learn how to control our breathing we can find moments of calm in any situation. Slow, rhythmic breathing increases the oxygen supply in the body, guides us back to the present moment and calms the nervous system.
Next time you are feeling stressed, fatigued, mentally scattered or during labour try one of the below breathing techniques:
- Cleansing breath – Inhale thought the nose and exhale out the mouth – relax, sigh & loosen the jaw. Perfect to use during a stressful moment or at the end of the day to let go of tension.
- Ujjayi breath – Inhale & exhale through the nose – slow and steady – activating your relaxation response. Provides mental clarity, focus and rejuvenates the nervous system.
“Just Breathe. You are strong enough to handle your challenges, wise enough to find a solution to your problems and capable enough to do whatever needs to be done”
– Lori Deschene
Remember your breath is always with you.
Namaste Stacy.
Stacy Robson 