Category: 4 Pranayama

Gemini Season 2023 – Partner Yoga & Temple Pose

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 3-Asanas, 4 Pranayama, Holiday, Yoga Workouts

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Happy May 20, 2023 – Partner Yoga & Temple Pose

Good morning Yogis! Our Challengers are taking a break from the Sun Salutations pose breakdown for Sitali Pranayama, a cooling breath we covered on the Summer Solstice! If it is as cold as it is in the Colorado mountains today (we have snow for another month!) you may want to try a warming Pranayama such as Bellows Breath again today!

30 Day Challengers

Doing our 30 Day Challenge? Click here for today’s post!

Temple Pose - beginner partner yoga pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black yoga set doing yoga inside in cool pink and purple yoga studio
Temple Pose

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today is the start of Gemini Season – Happy Birthday Gemini Yogis! PS I am a Gemini (sun sign) so this is a special one for me! We will cover an Asana today inspired by Gemini – Temple Pose. Remember that Gemini is twins, so I also want to introduce Partner Yoga! Asanas for a pair of Yogis range from beginner poses like Temple Pose or Lean-On-Me featured today, up to advanced Acro Yoga for two!

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Temple Pose Asana (alone or with a friend) or Partner Yoga inspired by the start of Gemini Season!

Tag @dailyyogi.world with your Temple Pose Pics on Instagram!

purple and white gemini zodiac astrology symbol

Temple Pose

This Asana can be performed solo – against against a wall to still get the ‘Lean-On-Me’ effect, or with hands on hips. I recommend trying solo with hands on hips BEFORE trying as a pair!

You will enter this pose by standing with your legs a bit further than hip-distance apart. Lean forward until your torso is parallel to the floor. Keep shoulders down and back, and keep hips and legs aligned. Hold for 30-60 seconds. To come out solo, tighten your core and stand back up.

If you are performing with a partner, start with hands on each other’s shoulder’s using for support but NOT weight, and slowly walk back into the pose. To come out as a pair, step a bit further back to avoid bumping heads, and come into a forward fold.

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Do not push yourself to pain on your Yoga Journey! Many Yogis of all levels embrace all kinds of blocks and props. Do not hesitate to grab a couch pillow for extra support, a block for extra support or when you cannot reach the floor, or a strap for extra arm-reach and leverage.

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Please comment and let us know how Temple Pose or Partner Yoga was for you! Do you want to share an Asana inspiration for your sign’s pose? Always remember, be kind!

              

May 2023 Yoga Challenge: Pranayama (Breathing) – Diaphragmatic Breath: Flowing Breath with Asanas

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 3-Asanas, 4 Pranayama

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Happy May 12, 2023 – Pranayama (Breathing)

30 Day Challengers

Happy Friday Yogis! Before we get into our detailed review of the Sun Salutations Asana Series discussed yesterday, we will take two days to cover the remaining 8 Limbs of Yoga. We are going to review Diaphragmatic Breathing today, along with our challengers, with an introduction to basic flowing for Asana and Pranayama.

30 Day Challengers

Doing our 30 Day Challenge? Click here for today’s post!

pink and purple flowers with green leaves - breath breathing pranayama Quote: Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure. - Oprah Winfrey
Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure. – Oprah Winfrey

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is Diaphragmatic Breath, a Pranayama Practice with “flowing” between our first two Sun Salutations Series Asanas. This is an intro to linking breath and movement, if you are familiar with this already perhaps try a more advanced Asana class today and focus on your breath. Today we are going to start standing in Tadasana to prep for our Sun Salutations Asana Series rather than in a comfortable seat as we have done in the past. This is also a great calming technique for anxiety.

Diaphragmatic Breath

  • Start standing in Tadasana. Begin by evaluating your current breath pattern. Place one hand on your chest, and the other on your belly. Breathe in and out, and notice when the hands resting on your belly and chest move to indicate expansion. You SHOULD use your diaphragm and breathe into your belly, so your belly expands on the inhale and contracts on the exhale. Most of us breathe shallowly into our chest only, and our belly hand never moves!  
  • Breathe in and make sure your belly expands, pushing your hand out as your entire torso fills with air
  • Breathe out, contracting the belly, making sure you empty the lungs completely
  • Now, on an inhale, raise your arms above your head to come into Talasana (Palm Tree Pose) or a gentle Anuvittasana (Standing Backbend) as you breathe into your belly
  • Exhale and lower your hands back to your sides to come back into Tadasana
  • Continue breathing in to a full count of 6, and out to a full count of 6, using your diaphragm to fill your lungs with air, and contract the belly to empty lungs completely. Raise your arms as your breathe in, and lower them as you breathe out, to start getting a basic flow coordinating your movement and breath. Focus on keeping your chest hand fairly still, and using your diaphragm to breathe into your belly.

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epic cloudy purple pink and glowing orange stripey alpine sunrise in mountains with darkened pine trees and snow-capped mountain peaks - pranayama breath breathing Quote: Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor. - Thich Nhat Hanh

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Please comment and let me know what you thought of this Pranayama exercise! Did you try standing in Tadasana or laying down in Shavasana today? What did you think? Always remember, be kind!

              

Asana April 2023: Pranayama (Breathing) – Bikram Pranayama / Hot Yoga Breath

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 4 Pranayama

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Happy Asana April 19, 2023 – Pranayama (Breathing) – Hot Yoga Breath

Good Morning Yogis! Today is Pranayama Day! We are in the middle of a daily Asana practice challenge for April, so we will revisit a moving Pranayama technique common in all kinds of Hot Yoga Classes, that originated in Bikram studios. This breath technique is part of the opening in the classic Bikram series.

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

Please see our Asana Styles page for links to youtube videos for various Yoga Styles. For Pranayama Day today, I recommend a Hot Yoga Style class, which will include this breath technique!

I usually practice with the Yoga Studio App rather than streaming services, so I can download my favorite classes and use in areas without Wifi or phone signal. Today I am doing one of my favorites – Beginner AM (20 Minute), which I modify with more advanced versions of poses including full side plank, standard extended side angle, and lowering slowly from plank to Chaturanga Dandasana / Yoga Push-Up… I am still working arm strength to do the Intermediate version of this class. I typically practice Asana most consistently in the morning, and this is my favorite morning series! PS I keep Ocean for the background sound in my Yoga Studio App, to help remind me to use Ujjayi Pranayama or Ocean Breath!

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is Bikram’s Pranayama a moving Pranayama Practice used in all kinds of Hot Yoga classes. We will start diaphragmatic breathing, which is part one of this breath. I am sure you will have tried this Pranayama technique if you have practiced any kind of style at a Hot Yoga studio – this breath feels particularly great in a hot and humid environment.

This is a great technique to watch and follow along – click here for video instructions!

Hot Yoga Pranayama Breath - yoga pose girl sunny day yoga on the beach
Hot Yoga Pranayama Breath - yoga pose girl sunny day yoga on the beach
Bikram Pranayama – Hot Yoga Breathing

Bikram Pranayama / Hot Yoga Breath

  • Clasp your hands together, and bring your fists under your chin with your thumbs at your throat. Squeeze your elbows together.
  • Inhale through your nose into your belly, and allow elbows to float up, keeping your chin in place.
  • Let your your chin float up and exhale, as you squeeze your elbows together.
  • Continue the cycle – allow your chin float down and elbows to float up on your inhale.

Want more on Pranayama? Check out our Pranayama Guide!

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Please comment and let me know what you thought of this Pranayama exercise! Do you incorporate Pranayama into your Asana practice? Have you tried Hot Yoga or this breath technique? Do you have another Pranayama practice you particularly enjoy? Always remember, be kind!

              

Asana April 2023: Pranayama (Breathing) – Ujjayi Pranayama (Ocean Breath)

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 4 Pranayama

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Happy Asana April 5, 2023 – Ujjayi Pranayama (Ocean Breath)

Good morning Yogis! Today is Pranayama Day in a special Asana-focused April! Today we will be revisiting Ujjayi (oo-JAW-yee) Pranayama. This is literally translated from Sanskrit as Victorious Breath, but is commonly referred to as Ocean Breath due to the sound of this technique. This is another great cooling and calming breathing technique, and is ideal during Asana practice. You may have learned this in Yoga class before, especially if you have attended a Hot Yoga class.

waves crashing on beach cool perspective pink and orange sunset on rocky beach inlet under the sunset - pranayama breath breathing ocean breath Quote: The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination, and brings eternal joy to the soul. - Robert Wyland
The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination, and brings eternal joy to the soul. – Robert Wyland

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are in the middle of a daily Asana practice challenge for April! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to YouTube videos for various Yoga Styles. For today, I recommend a Hot Yoga or Bikram Series.

I usually practice with the Yoga Studio App rather than streaming services, so I can download my favorite classes and use in areas without WiFi or phone signal. Today I am doing one of my favorites – Intermediate Flexibility (30 Minutes).

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is trying Ujjayi Pranayama or Ocean Breathing. I recommend trying this with the Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutations from yesterday’s practice or a Hot Yoga or Bikram Series.

Ujjayi Pranayama – Ocean Breath

Start with Diaphragmatic Breathing for 3 full inhales and exhales.

Open your mouth and inhale and exhale through your mouth. Contract your throat to slightly say “HA” on the exhales. Keep this light contraction in your throat so you slightly say “SA” on the inhales. You will start noticing the ocean sound from which this technique gets its name.

Now, close your mouth. Inhale and exhale through your nose, while keeping this contraction in your throat to keep the ocean sound continuing on both inhales and exhales. As you become comfortable with this breathing technique, try your Asana practice with this Ujjayi Pranayama.

Want more on Pranayama? Check out our Pranayama Guide!

light blue breath graphic on dark blue background

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Please comment and let me know what you thought of this Ujjayi Pranayama exercise! Have you ever tried this technique as a standalone or during your Asana practice? Always remember, be kind!

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Meditation March 2023: Pranayama (Breathing) – Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (Alternate Nostril / Channel Clearing Breath)

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 4 Pranayama, Self Care

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Happy Meditation March 27, 2023 – Pranayama (Breathing) – Nadi Shodhana

Good morning Yogis! Today is Pranayama Day!

cool perspective close-up shady green leaves on tree in grassy field - pranayama breath breathing Quote: Be thankful for a breath of fresh air to be alive and well. Allow love and happiness to penetrate throughout your mind and soul. Take time to relax and live in the moment, the now, the present. Enjoy today. - Amaka Imani Nkosazana
Be thankful for a breath of fresh air to be alive and well. Allow love and happiness to penetrate throughout your mind and soul. Take time to relax and live in the moment, the now, the present. Enjoy today. – Amaka Imani Nkosazana

Bonus Daily Meditation Challenge

We are in the middle of a bonus Daily Meditation Challenge for March! For Pranayama Day today, my meditation for the day is a Guided Pranayama Practice – Nadi Shodhana.

This is our last Pranayama Day for our special meditation month, so today we will cover a meditative Pranayama practice – Nadi Shodhana (NAH-dee show-DAH-nuh). This literally translates as “channel-clearing” but we frequently use a more descriptive translation of alternate-nostril breathing. This technique is meant to clear the body’s energy channels, and I find it is super cleansing for the entire respiratory system – you may want to keep some tissues handy for this technique, and do not perform if you have a stuffy nose!

orange breath graphic on yellow gold background

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is Nadi Shodhana or Channel Clearing, a Pranayama Practice. Most of us have tried diaphragmatic breathing, which is part one of this alternate-nostril breath. We recommend trying this breath technique during meditation! This is also a great calming technique for anxiety.

Diaphragmatic Breath

  • Start in a comfortable seat by evaluating your current breath pattern. Place one hand on your chest, and the other on your belly. Breathe in and out, and notice when the hands resting on your belly and chest move to indicate expansion. You SHOULD use your diaphragm and breathe into your belly, so your belly expands on the inhale and contracts on the exhale. Most of us breathe shallowly into our chest only, and our belly hand never moves!
  • Breathe in and make sure your belly expands, pushing your hand out as your entire torso fills with air
  • Breathe out, contracting the belly, making sure you empty the lungs completely
  • Continue breathing in to a full count of 6, and out to a full count of 6, using your diaphragm to fill your lungs with air, and contract the belly to empty lungs completely. Focus on keeping your chest hand fairly still, and using your diaphragm to breathe into your belly.

Nadi Shodhana Pranayama – Channel Clearing / Alternate-Nostril Breathing

  • Get in position – you will want to come into a comfortable seat. Place your left hand on your left knee. Bring your right hand into a Vishnu Mudra, folding your first two fingers to your palm (or if this is not comfortable, bring all three center fingers to the palm, or rest your index and middle fingers on your forehead/third eye)
  • Use the right thumb to close the right nostril. Exhale and then inhale fully through your left nostril only, keeping your diaphragmatic breath technique, breathing into your belly.
  • Move your right ring and pinky finger to close the left nostril. Exhale and then inhale fully through your right nostril only.
  • Continue this alternate-nostril breathing for 3-5 minutes. Remember, exhale and inhale, then switch sides.

This technique can be quite confusing – you may want to follow along our recommended video this first time!

Want more on Pranayama? Check out our Pranayama Guide!

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𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥. 𝘓𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘳. 𝘈𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵. - 𝘎𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘙𝘶𝘣𝘪𝘯⁣ 𝘉𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘶𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴. - 𝘎𝘦𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘺 𝘚𝘩𝘶𝘨𝘦𝘯 𝘈𝘳𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘥⁣ 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘞𝘪𝘍𝘪 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, - 𝘜𝘯𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯⁣ 𝘉𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥, 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦. - 𝘑𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘥⁣ 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱 𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧. - 𝘈𝘯𝘯𝘢 𝘘𝘶𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘯⁣ 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦. - 𝘈𝘮𝘪𝘵 𝘙𝘢𝘺⁣ Today we are revisiting National Hydration Day. This is one of my New Years Resolutions I want to revisit. Today track how much water you drink, and evaluate whether you need to drink more or less each day. ⁣ Today we are pausing our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! New Yogis are learning Sitali Pranayama, a cooling breath great for summer! ⁣ For today’s practice, we are completing our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! ⁣

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Please comment and let me know what you thought of this Pranayama exercise! Have you tried this alternate-nostril breath? Do you have another Pranayama practice you particularly enjoy? Always remember, be kind!

              

Pranayama (Breathing) – Meditation March 2023: Yogic Breath / Three Part Breath

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 4 Pranayama, Meditation

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Happy Meditation March 12, 2023 – Pranayama – Yogic Breath

Good morning Yogis! Today is a KISS (keep it super simple) Day for the 4th Limb of Yoga! So, we are going to revisit Yogic Breath, a Pranayama Practice.

cool perspective looking into sunny mountain pine forest - pranayama breath breathing Quote: Deep breathing brings deep thinking and shallow breathing brings shallow thinking. - Elsie Lincoln Benedict
Deep breathing brings deep thinking and shallow breathing brings shallow thinking. – Elsie Lincoln Benedict

Bonus Daily Meditation Challenge

We are in the middle of a bonus Daily Meditation Challenge for March! For Pranayama Day today, try our Breath-Focused Meditation with our Three Part Breath Below!

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is Yogic Breath, a Pranayama Practice. Most of us have tried diaphragmatic breathing, which is part one of this three-part breath. We recommend incorporating this breath technique into your Asana practice, and bringing it forward into meditation! This is also a great calming technique for anxiety.

Diaphragmatic Breath

  • Start in a comfortable seat by evaluating your current breath pattern. Place one hand on your chest, and the other on your belly. Breathe in and out, and notice when the hands resting on your belly and chest move to indicate expansion. You SHOULD use your diaphragm and breathe into your belly, so your belly expands on the inhale and contracts on the exhale. Most of us breathe shallowly into our chest only, and our belly hand never moves!
  • Breathe in and make sure your belly expands, pushing your hand out as your entire torso fills with air
  • Breathe out, contracting the belly, making sure you empty the lungs completely
  • Continue breathing in to a full count of 6, and out to a full count of 6, using your diaphragm to fill your lungs with air, and contract the belly to empty lungs completely. Focus on keeping your chest hand fairly still, and using your diaphragm to breathe into your belly.

Yogic Breath / Three Part Breath

  • PART 1 – Belly: Diaphragmatic breathing is the first part of three part breath! Make sure you complete 10 full inhalations and exhalations, counting to 6 for each inhale and exhale.
  • PART 2 – Ribs: After 10 complete belly breaths, after expanding into your belly – try expanding your rib cage outwards on inhales and allowing to compress on exhales.
  • PART 3 – Chest: After 10 full inhale and exhalations with rib cage expansion – first fill your belly, then expand rib cage, then try allowing your clavicle (collar bone) to rise as you fill and empty your lungs completely for another 10 breaths.

Want more on Pranayama? Check out our Pranayama Guide!

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𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥. 𝘓𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘳. 𝘈𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵. - 𝘎𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘙𝘶𝘣𝘪𝘯⁣ 𝘉𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘶𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴. - 𝘎𝘦𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘺 𝘚𝘩𝘶𝘨𝘦𝘯 𝘈𝘳𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘥⁣ 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘞𝘪𝘍𝘪 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, - 𝘜𝘯𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯⁣ 𝘉𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥, 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦. - 𝘑𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘥⁣ 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱 𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧. - 𝘈𝘯𝘯𝘢 𝘘𝘶𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘯⁣ 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦. - 𝘈𝘮𝘪𝘵 𝘙𝘢𝘺⁣ Today we are revisiting National Hydration Day. This is one of my New Years Resolutions I want to revisit. Today track how much water you drink, and evaluate whether you need to drink more or less each day. ⁣ Today we are pausing our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! New Yogis are learning Sitali Pranayama, a cooling breath great for summer! ⁣ For today’s practice, we are completing our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! ⁣

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Please comment and let me know what you thought of this Pranayama exercise! Do you incorporate diaphragmatic breathing like this, or other Pranayama into your Asana practice? Have you tried this full three-part breath? Do you have another Pranayama practice you particularly enjoy? Always remember, be kind!

              

February 2023 – Pisces Season: Matsyasana (Fish Pose)

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 3-Asanas, 4 Pranayama, Holiday, Yoga Workouts

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Happy February 18, 2023 – Pisces Season: Matsyasana (Fish Pose)

Good Morning Yogis! Today is the start of Pisces Season – Happy Birthday Pisces Yogis! PS I am a Pisces rising so this is a special one for me! We will cover an Asana today inspired by Pisces – Matsyasana (maht-SYA-sa-nuh) or Fish Pose. This is a great chest opener and counter-pose for hunching over your desk, but you should avoid this pose if you have neck or shoulder injuries

PS if you would like to finish our week of special Pranayama exercises with a Zodiac-themed breath, try Simhasana Pranayama – Lion’s Breath for Leo.

Matsyasana - fish pose lotus legs intermediate variation - yoga pose yoga girl wearing blue fish-scale dragon-scale set doing yoga inside in cool indigo blue studio
Matsyasana – Fish Pose with Lotus Legs

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Fish Pose Asanas inspired by the start of Pisces Season!

Tag @dailyyogi.world with your Fish Pose Pics on Instagram!

blue and white pisces zodiac astrology symbol

Matsyasana – Fish Pose

Matsyasana - fish pose beginner variation - yoga pose yoga girl wearing blue fish-scale dragon-scale set doing yoga inside in cool indigo blue studio
Matsyasana – Fish Pose

The full expression Asana is a great full body workout, and is especially great for the core. I usually practice the beginner version of this Asana as a counter-pose to inversions such as Supported Shoulder Stand. The full expression of this pose is with stretched legs, with whole body in a V similar to Navasana or Boat Pose.

You will enter this pose by sitting on the mat in Dandasana or Staff Pose with your hands on the mat. Lean back slightly, place your forearms on the mat under your torso with palms on mat under your hips. Keep the weight of your torso on your arms, and gently lean your head back and rest gently on the mat to come into beginner Matsyasana as above. Hold for 30-60 seconds. To come out, gently press back up to sitting on your forearms, and then roll back down onto the mat.

When you are ready, you can straighten your legs to come into the full expression of this pose below, or fold your legs into lotus legs as above for a hip-opening intermediate version.

PS I have recently been enjoying a new modification for Matsyasana with Supta Badha Konasana Legs rather than Lotus Legs!

Matsyasana - fish pose advanced variation - yoga pose yoga girl wearing blue fish-scale dragon-scale set doing yoga inside in cool indigo blue studio
Matsyasana – Fish Pose – Advanced

Check out our Top 5 Yoga Equipment and Yoga Mats!

Do not push yourself to pain on your Yoga Journey! Many Yogis of all levels embrace all kinds of blocks and props. Do not hesitate to grab a couch pillow for extra support, a block for extra support or when you cannot reach the floor, or a strap for extra arm-reach and leverage.

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Please comment and let us know how Fish pose was for you! Do you want to share an Asana inspiration for your sign’s pose? Always remember, be kind!

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February 2023 – Pranayama (Breathing): Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (Alternate Nostril / Channel Clearing Breath)

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 4 Pranayama, Self Care

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Happy February 17, 2023 – Pranayama (Breathing): Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (Alternate Nostril / Channel Clearing Breath)

Good morning Yogis! We are at the end of our week of special Pranayama practices! We will start a special meditation-focused week next week, and today we will try a a meditative Pranayama practice – Nadi Shodhana (NAH-dee show-DAH-nuh). This literally translates as “channel-clearing” but we frequently use a more descriptive translation of alternate-nostril breathing.

cool perspective close-up modern black metal sculpture from decordova sculpture garden among bright green sunlit trees - pranayama breath breathing Quote: Breathing is meditation; life is a meditation. You have to breathe in order to live, so breathing is how you get in touch with the sacred space of your heart. - Willow Smith
Breathing is meditation; life is a meditation. You have to breathe in order to live, so breathing is how you get in touch with the sacred space of your heart. – Willow Smith

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is Nadi Shodhana or Channel Clearing, a Pranayama Practice. Most of us have tried diaphragmatic breathing, which is part one of this alternate-nostril breath. We recommend trying this breath technique during meditation! This is also a great calming technique for anxiety.

This technique is meant to clear the body’s energy channels, and I find it is super cleansing for the entire respiratory system – you may want to keep some tissues handy for this technique, and do not perform if you have a stuffy nose! You can also try a Guided Pranayama Meditation Practice – Nadi Shodhana.

Diaphragmatic Breath

  • Start in a comfortable seat by evaluating your current breath pattern. Place one hand on your chest, and the other on your belly. Breathe in and out, and notice when the hands resting on your belly and chest move to indicate expansion. You SHOULD use your diaphragm and breathe into your belly, so your belly expands on the inhale and contracts on the exhale. Most of us breathe shallowly into our chest only, and our belly hand never moves!
  • Breathe in and make sure your belly expands, pushing your hand out as your entire torso fills with air
  • Breathe out, contracting the belly, making sure you empty the lungs completely
  • Continue breathing in to a full count of 6, and out to a full count of 6, using your diaphragm to fill your lungs with air, and contract the belly to empty lungs completely. Focus on keeping your chest hand fairly still, and using your diaphragm to breathe into your belly.

Nadi Shodhana Pranayama – Channel Clearing / Alternate-Nostril Breathing

  • Get in position – you will want to come into a comfortable seat. Place your left hand on your left knee. Bring your right hand into a Vishnu Mudra, folding your first two fingers to your palm (or if this is not comfortable, bring all three center fingers to the palm, or rest your index and middle fingers on your forehead/third eye)
  • Use the right thumb to close the right nostril. Exhale and then inhale fully through your left nostril only, keeping your diaphragmatic breath technique, breathing into your belly.
  • Move your right ring and pinky finger to close the left nostril. Exhale and then inhale fully through your right nostril only.
  • Continue this alternate-nostril breathing for 3-5 minutes. Remember, exhale and inhale, then switch sides.

This technique can be quite confusing – you may want to follow along our recommended video this first time!

Want more on Pranayama? Check out our Pranayama Guide!

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𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥. 𝘓𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘳. 𝘈𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵. - 𝘎𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘙𝘶𝘣𝘪𝘯⁣ 𝘉𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘶𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴. - 𝘎𝘦𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘺 𝘚𝘩𝘶𝘨𝘦𝘯 𝘈𝘳𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘥⁣ 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘞𝘪𝘍𝘪 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, - 𝘜𝘯𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯⁣ 𝘉𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥, 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦. - 𝘑𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘥⁣ 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱 𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧. - 𝘈𝘯𝘯𝘢 𝘘𝘶𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘯⁣ 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦. - 𝘈𝘮𝘪𝘵 𝘙𝘢𝘺⁣ Today we are revisiting National Hydration Day. This is one of my New Years Resolutions I want to revisit. Today track how much water you drink, and evaluate whether you need to drink more or less each day. ⁣ Today we are pausing our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! New Yogis are learning Sitali Pranayama, a cooling breath great for summer! ⁣ For today’s practice, we are completing our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! ⁣

Share your Practice

Please comment and let me know what you thought of this Pranayama exercise! Have you tried this alternate-nostril breath? Do you have another Pranayama practice you particularly enjoy? Always remember, be kind!

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

              

February 2023 – Pranayama (Breathing): Bhastrika Pranayama (Bellows Breath)

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 4 Pranayama

Table of contents

Happy February 16, 2023 – Pranayama (Breathing): Bhastrika Pranayama (Bellows Breath)

Good Morning Yogis! We are continuing our special Pranayama week! Today we will revisit a warming and energizing technique – Bhastrika Pranayama or Bellows’ Breath!

close-up cool perspective of colorful fluorescent art from meow wolf denver - pranayama breath breathing Quote: I really believe that breath, in and of itself... can become the ultimate self-healing tool. - Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa
I really believe that breath, in and of itself… can become the ultimate self-healing tool. – Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is Bhastrika Pranayama, an energizing Pranayama Practice. We will start diaphragmatic breathing, to center before beginning this technique. Please note this is a technique that should be practiced on its own, NOT during Asana practice! This Pranayama is best first thing in the morning, or if you need an energy boost during the day. Also, this technique is best on an empty stomach, or at least a couple hours after eating!

This is a great technique to watch and follow along – click here for video instructions!

Want more on Pranayama? Check out our Pranayama Guide!

Diaphragmatic Breath

  • Start by evaluating your current breath pattern. Place one hand on your chest, and the other on your belly. Breathe in and out, and notice when the hands resting on your belly and chest move to indicate expansion. You SHOULD use your diaphragm and breathe into your belly, so your belly expands on the inhale and contracts on the exhale. Most of us breathe shallowly into our chest only, and our belly hand never moves!  
  • Breathe in and make sure your belly expands, pushing your hand out as your entire torso fills with air.
  • Breathe out, contracting the belly, making sure you empty the lungs completely
  • Continue breathing in to a full count of 6, and out to a full count of 6, using your diaphragm to fill your lungs with air, and contract the belly to empty lungs completely. Focus on keeping your chest hand fairly still, and using your diaphragm to breathe into your belly.

Bhastrika Pranayama / Bellows Breath

  • After 5-10 full Diaphragmatic Breaths, close your mouth and begin the Bellows Breath:
  • Exhale forcefully through the nose, followed by inhaling forcefully through the nose.
    • These are quick forceful breaths, about one second for each inhale and one second for each exhale.
    • Use your diaphragm to initiate this breath, so your belly moves in and out quickly with your breath. Note that due to the speed, your breath will likely only reach your chest, not your belly.
    • Keep head, neck, and shoulders still throughout this technique.
  • Complete a round of 10 Bellows Breaths.
  • Move back to Diaphragmatic Breathing for 5-10 complete breaths. If you are getting dizzy, just stick with one round.
  • Complete a second round of 20 Bellows Breaths.
  • Move back to Diaphragmatic Breathing for 10 complete breaths.
  • Complete a third round of 30 Bellows Breaths.
  • Do not practice more than 3 rounds or 60 total Bellows Breaths at a time.

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Please comment and let me know what you thought of this Pranayama exercise! Have you tried this breath technique? How many rounds did you complete? Do you have another Pranayama practice you particularly enjoy? Always remember, be kind!

              

February 2023 – Pranayama (Breathing): Vilona Pranayama (Retained Breath)

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 4 Pranayama, Self Care

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Happy February 15, 2023 – Pranayama (Breathing): Vilona Pranayama (Retained Breath)

Good Morning Yogis! Today is Pranayama Day! We are in the middle of a special Pranayama week.

close-up cool perspective of colorful fragmented reflections of van goh painting from immersive exhibition - pranayama breath breathing Quote: An instructor once told me that when there's resistence in your body, it's only because of the resistence in your mind. It's about getting inside the pose. Being the breath. - Lisa Bonet
An instructor once told me that when there’s resistence in your body, it’s only because of the resistence in your mind. It’s about getting inside the pose. Being the breath. – Lisa Bonet

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is Vilona Pranayama or Retained Breath, a Pranayama Practice. We will start diaphragmatic breathing, which is part one of this breath. Vilona Pranayama translates as “against the wave” and is a retained breath technique. We recommend incorporating this breath technique into your Asana practice if poses are held for an extended period! Or, you can use this cooling breath technique to calm down after an active workout, or to help with anxiety.

Diaphragmatic Breath

  • Start by evaluating your current breath pattern. Place one hand on your chest, and the other on your belly. Breathe in and out, and notice when the hands resting on your belly and chest move to indicate expansion. You SHOULD use your diaphragm and breathe into your belly, so your belly expands on the inhale and contracts on the exhale. Most of us breathe shallowly into our chest only, and our belly hand never moves!  
  • Breathe in and make sure your belly expands, pushing your hand out as your entire torso fills with air
  • Breathe out, contracting the belly, making sure you empty the lungs completely
  • Continue breathing in to a full count of 6, and out to a full count of 6, using your diaphragm to fill your lungs with air, and contract the belly to empty lungs completely. Focus on keeping your chest hand fairly still, and using your diaphragm to breathe into your belly.

Vilona Pranayama / Retained Breath

  • VARIATION 1 – Retain before Inhale: Diaphragmatic breathing is the first part of this breath! Make sure you complete 10 full inhalations and exhalations, counting to 6 for each inhale and exhale. Then, hold your breath for a count of 6 before each inhale. Your breath pattern will be Inhale 6, Exhale 6, Hold 6, Inhale 6…
  • VARIATION 2 – Retain before Exhale: Diaphragmatic breathing is the first part of this breath! Make sure you complete 10 full inhalations and exhalations, counting to 6 for each inhale and exhale. Then, hold your breath for a count of 6 before each exhale. Your breath pattern will be Inhale 6, Hold 6, Exhale 6, Inhale 6…
  • VARIATION 3 – Retain before Inhale and Exhale: Diaphragmatic breathing is the first part of this breath! Make sure you complete 10 full inhalations and exhalations, counting to 6 for each inhale and exhale. Then, hold your breath for a count of 6 before each inhale AND exhale. Your breath pattern will be Inhale 6, Hold 6, Exhale 6, Hold 6, Inhale 6…

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Please comment and let me know what you thought of this Pranayama exercise! Do you incorporate Pranayama into your Asana practice? Have you tried retained breath before? Do you have another Pranayama practice you particularly enjoy? Always remember, be kind!

              

February 2023 – Pranayama (Breathing): Ujjayi Pranayama (Ocean Breath)

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 4 Pranayama, Self Care

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Happy February 14, 2023 – Pranayama (Breathing): Ujjayi Pranayama (Ocean Breath)

Good morning Yogis! We are in the middle of a special Pranayama week! Today is also Valentines Day – Happy Valentines Yogis! Today we will be revisiting Ujjayi (oo-JAW-yee) Pranayama. This is literally translated from Sanskrit as Victorious Breath, but is commonly referred to as Ocean Breath due to the sound of this technique. This is another great cooling and calming breathing technique, and is ideal during Asana practice. You may have learned this in Yoga class before, especially if you have attended a Hot Yoga class.

cool shot looking out plane window at night over city looking through lit up sparse clouds - pranayama breath breathing Quote: Breath is the finest gift of nature. Be grateful for this wonderful gift. - Amit Ray
Breath is the finest gift of nature. Be grateful for this wonderful gift. – Amit Ray

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is trying Ujjayi Pranayama or Ocean Breathing.

Ujjayi Pranayama

Start with Diaphragmatic Breathing for 3 full inhales and exhales.

Open your mouth and inhale and exhale through your mouth. Contract your throat to slightly say “HA” on the exhales. Keep this light contraction in your throat so you slightly say “SA” on the inhales. You will start noticing the ocean sound from which this technique gets its name.

Now, close your mouth. Inhale and exhale through your nose, while keeping this contraction in your throat to keep the ocean sound continuing on both inhales and exhales. As you become comfortable with this breathing technique, try your Asana practice with this Ujjayi Pranayama.

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February 2023 – Pranayama (Breathing): Yogic Breath / Three Part Breath

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 4 Pranayama, Self Care

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Happy February 13, 2023 – Pranayama (Breathing): Yogic Breath / Three Part Breath

Good morning Yogis! We are in the middle of a special Pranayama week and today is a KISS (keep it super simple) Day for Pranayama Day today! We are going to revisit Yogic Breath, a Pranayama Practice. This is one of my favorite Pranayama techniques!

cool shot looking at manhattan from queens over river at night - pranayama breath breathing Quote: The air we breathe, the wind that blows around us, the earth that we walk upon, the lives of others around us, the most intimate things of our lives, are the place of our sleep or of our awakening. - Jack Kornfield
The air we breathe, the wind that blows around us, the earth that we walk upon, the lives of others around us, the most intimate things of our lives, are the place of our sleep or of our awakening. – Jack Kornfield

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is Yogic Breath, a Pranayama Practice. Most of us have tried diaphragmatic breathing (yesterday’s practice, linked below), which is part one of this three-part breath. We recommend incorporating this breath technique into your Asana practice, and bringing it forward into meditation! This is also a great calming technique for anxiety!

Diaphragmatic Breath

  • Start in a comfortable seat by evaluating your current breath pattern. Place one hand on your chest, and the other on your belly. Breathe in and out, and notice when the hands resting on your belly and chest move to indicate expansion. You SHOULD use your diaphragm and breathe into your belly, so your belly expands on the inhale and contracts on the exhale. Most of us breathe shallowly into our chest only, and our belly hand never moves!
  • Breathe in and make sure your belly expands, pushing your hand out as your entire torso fills with air
  • Breathe out, contracting the belly, making sure you empty the lungs completely
  • Continue breathing in to a full count of 6, and out to a full count of 6, using your diaphragm to fill your lungs with air, and contract the belly to empty lungs completely. Focus on keeping your chest hand fairly still, and using your diaphragm to breathe into your belly.

Yogic Breath / Three Part Breath

  • PART 1 – Belly: Diaphragmatic breathing is the first part of three part breath! Make sure you complete 10 full inhalations and exhalations, counting to 6 for each inhale and exhale.
  • PART 2 – Ribs: After 10 complete belly breaths, after expanding into your belly – try expanding your rib cage outwards on inhales and allowing to compress on exhales.
  • PART 3 – Chest: After 10 full inhale and exhalations with rib cage expansion – first fill your belly, then expand rib cage, then try allowing your clavicle (collar bone) to rise as you fill and empty your lungs completely for another 10 breaths.

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Please comment and let me know what you thought of this Pranayama exercise! Do you incorporate diaphragmatic breathing like this, or other Pranayama into your Asana practice? Have you tried this full three-part breath? Do you have another Pranayama practice you particularly enjoy? Always remember, be kind!

              

February 2023 – Pranayama (Breathing): Diaphragmatic Breath

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 4 Pranayama

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Happy February 12, 2023 – Pranayama (Breathing): Diaphragmatic Breath

Happy Sunday! We are doing a special series this month covering the 3rd-8th Limbs of Yoga. We just finished a week of special Asana (3rd Limb) focused practices examining different styles of Yoga you will likely find at your Yoga studio. This week we will cover Pranayama practices, and next we will focus on the upper limbs and meditation practices. We are going to review Diaphragmatic Breathing today, which is usually the first step (at least as preparation and centering) for all Pranayama techniques.

multicolored lights floating down dark mountain river flowing under lit bridge full of crowd celebrating lunar new year - pranayama breath breathing Quote: I learned that when life pulls you under, you can kick against the bottom, break the surface, and breathe again. - Sheryl Sandberg
I learned that when life pulls you under, you can kick against the bottom, break the surface, and breathe again. – Sheryl Sandberg

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is Diaphragmatic Breath, a Pranayama Practice. Today we are going to try either standing in Tadasana, or laying down, rather than in a comfortable seat as we have done in the past. I love practicing Pranayama laying down in Shavasana, as I feel I can breathe deeper into my belly. We recommend incorporating this breath technique into your Asana practice, and bringing it forward into meditation! This is also a great calming technique for anxiety.

Diaphragmatic Breath

  • Start either standing in Tadasana or laying down in Shavasana. Begin by evaluating your current breath pattern. Place one hand on your chest, and the other on your belly. Breathe in and out, and notice when the hands resting on your belly and chest move to indicate expansion. You SHOULD use your diaphragm and breathe into your belly, so your belly expands on the inhale and contracts on the exhale. Most of us breathe shallowly into our chest only, and our belly hand never moves!  
  • Breathe in and make sure your belly expands, pushing your hand out as your entire torso fills with air
  • Breathe out, contracting the belly, making sure you empty the lungs completely
  • Continue breathing in to a full count of 6, and out to a full count of 6, using your diaphragm to fill your lungs with air, and contract the belly to empty lungs completely. Focus on keeping your chest hand fairly still, and using your diaphragm to breathe into your belly.

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January 2023 30 Day Challenge: Aquarius Season – Navasana (Boat Pose)

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 3-Asanas, 4 Pranayama, Holiday, Yoga Workouts

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Happy January 20, 2023 – Asanas (Poses): Aquarius Season – Navasana (Boat Pose)

Happy Sunday Yogis! Our Challengers are taking a break from the Sun Salutations pose breakdown for Sitali Pranayama, a cooling breath we covered on the Summer Solstice! If it is as cold as it is in Colorado today, you may want to try a warming Pranayama such as Bellows Breath again today!

30 Day Challengers

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Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today is the start of Aquarius Season – Happy Birthday Aquarius Yogis! We will cover an Asana today inspired by Aquarius – Navasana (nah-VA-sa-nuh) or Boat Pose. Remember that Aquarius is the water BEARER, an air sign not a water sign!

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Boat Pose Asanas inspired by the start of Aquarius Season!

Ardha Navasana - half boat pose - yoga pose girl from side wearing tie dye shirt with cool purple and blue star background
Ardha Navasana – Half Boat Pose

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Navasana – Boat Pose

This Asana is a great full body workout, and is especially great for the core. I practice Ardha Navasana or Half Boat Pose. The full expression of this pose is with stretched legs, with whole body in a V.

You will enter this pose by sitting on the mat in Dandasana or Staff Pose with your hands on the mat. Lean back slightly, tighten your core, and lift and bend your knees, to come into Ardha Navasana as above. Lift arms and lefts to parallel to the floor. Keep shoulders down and back. Hold for 30-60 seconds. To come out, lower your legs back to the mat. I recommend Crab Pose after this Asana to counter, and repeat these two poses for a Yoga Workout!

When you are ready, you can straighten your legs to come into the full expression of this pose below Paripurna Navasana or Full Boat Pose. For an extra leg challenge, put a block or book between your knees!

Paripurna Navasana - full boat pose - yoga pose girl from side wearing black with cool blue light background and scatter art effect
Paripurna Navasana – Full Boat Pose

Check out our Top 5 Yoga Equipment and Yoga Mats!

Do not push yourself to pain on your Yoga Journey! Many Yogis of all levels embrace all kinds of blocks and props. Do not hesitate to grab a couch pillow for extra support, a block for extra support or when you cannot reach the floor, or a strap for extra arm-reach and leverage.

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