I have a mind that wanders. It runs a hundred miles an hour all day, every day. Despite practicing yoga for over 25 years, I’ve always struggled with “the breath”—learning to control and connect with it. I knew this was a cornerstone of the practice, yet it remained a challenge.
Some of this was due to a lack of discipline, and some to a lack of proper training.
During my yoga teacher training, I was introduced to Samvritti Breathing. Simply put, this is a type of breathing that most of us are familiar with and is best used during the practice of meditation.
But meditation? The thought of me meditating made me laugh. Still, I went into my yoga training with two clear goals:
- Successfully complete the training.
- Learn to better control my breath during my practice.
What I did not anticipate was that during my training, I would discover the quiet stillness of a calm mind and body through the practice of meditation. For me, this seemed like an impossible, unnecessary concept before.
In that quiet stillness, here is what I discovered:
- Posture: Finding a comfortable, grounded position is key.
- Focus on the breath: Observing it without judgment.
- Count: If it helps, use a steady count to guide your breathing.
- Mind wanders: When it inevitably does, gently bring it back to the breath.
There is something about the quiet stillness that stirs deep emotions in me. Often, it brings a tear or two to my eyes. I’m not entirely sure why. Perhaps it’s my body, mind, and soul thanking me for allowing just a few moments of quiet solitude before the craziness of life resumes.
Samvritti Breathing has become an integral part of my yoga journey and daily life. It’s a reminder that a few deep breaths can create a profound sense of calm and connection amidst the chaos.