September 18, 2012

Focus on the Exhale

In the yogic practice of breath control (or pranayama), the exhale has a special function. While the inhale is stimulating, the exhale is relaxing. While the inhale is about bringing energy into the body, the exhale is about releasing stress, toxins, and pain.

Because of this, you can use conscious breathing as a break in your day. By focusing on your exhale, you can let go of the past and come into the present with a renewed commitment. Here's how:

Sit up in your chair with your feet on the floor and a long spine. Close your eyes and focus on your breath. Inhale through the nose, feeling your spine get longer and taller. Then exhale through your mouth with a deep sigh. As you exhale, visualize the moments of your day moving away from you.

Try this for a few minutes anytime you need to let go of something. It can have a profound effect on your emotional and physical health.

IN THIS ISSUE

Breathing Lessons

http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/740

Count on Yoga

http://www.yogajournal.com/health/1634

Newsletter Subscription Information

Sign Up For Daily Insight

Did a friend forward you this email? Sign up for your own free email newsletter by visiting http://www.yjnewsletters.com.

Change Your Current Email Address or Unsubscribe

Do not reply to this email to unsubscribe. You are currently subscribed as: `eMail`. Please visit Yoga Journal's Email Preferences Page to change your preferences or to unsubscribe.

Missing Issues?

Please add YogaJournal@YogaJournal.p0.com to your address book to prevent your email system from filtering our newsletters as spam.

Feedback

Please send comments about content or suggestions for how to improve this newsletter to suggestions@yogajournal.com.

Magazine Customer Service

For magazine subscription concerns such as back issues, address changes, and account status information, please visit our customer service department at http://www.yogajournal.com/magazine/customer_service.