Breathwork and Mindfulness: Benefits of Yoga Practice

In the previous article, we explored YOGA AND MINDFULNESS FOR MENTAL HEALTH as part of a healing journey. Keeping it simple and consistent is key to reaping the benefits of yoga and mindfulness. At its core, this practice helps calm the mind - a continuous journey as we face daily challenges. Breathwork, along with mindfulness and awareness, is essential in yoga, often combined with meditation. 

Meditation, which brings the mind into the present moment, can be practiced on your own for just one minute each day, ideally before bed. You can sit comfortably on your bed, breathing in and out through your nose to center yourself. However, for deeper practice, it's important to have guidance from a qualified yoga instructor.

Breathwork is integral to yoga, especially while performing yoga asanas or poses. If you're attending yoga sessions without breathwork, it might be time to reconsider. Breath control is a core element that makes yoga effective for relaxation, de-stressing, and rejuvenation while easing body pain. In Zen Yoga, as practiced in Nava’s Zen, the focus is on gentle stretching asanas. While these may seem simple, they still require strength, stamina, and flexibility, especially when combined with breathwork, which softens and calms each pose.

 

In Zen Yoga, breathing in helps you enter a pose, and breathing out helps you release from it. This breathwork is essential for a balanced practice, keeping you focused and calm in each movement. Proper breathing regulates energy, improves oxygen flow to muscles, deepens stretches, and enhances balance. It also helps release tension, promotes relaxation, and fosters a deep connection between your mind and body. This mindful breathwork is the true beauty of yoga, uniting your breath, body, mind, and soul.

I’ve included a video of a Zen Yoga sequence you can safely practice at home. It’s relaxing and perfect for unwinding after a long day, helping you sleep better over time. Just remember to use a yoga mat on the floor rather than practicing on your bed. Afterward, take an additional minute for quiet meditation before heading to sleep. These simple and soothing asanas won’t make you sweat but will help you relax.

I’ve also attached a video where I discuss the benefits of yoga as shared by my clients, highlighting how it serves as a natural sleep aid (YOGA FOR RESTFUL SLEEP). I look forward to sharing more yoga insights with you soon. Namaskar. 

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