Breath and Thought are Twins
Breath is central to yoga because breath is central to life
Breath and thought are inseparably connected
For example, faster, agitated thinking leads immediately to faster, agitated breath, whilst slower breathing quietens the mind
This is a two-way street with which we can work to our benefit
In one direction, by regulating breath, in posture work
(asana) or seated breathing exercises (pranayama), we
can achieve specific effects in our thoughts
We can change how we feel, perhaps inhaling to
energise and refresh, or exhaling to calm
Coming at things from the other direction, meditation
calms, quietens and interrupts the ongoing inner flow of
thoughts
The process is inherently calming to the breath
Deeper enquiry occurs as breath quiets the mind and
allows more space for pure experience and the
resultant peace and contentment
“Breath is central to yoga because breath is central to life”
T Krishnamacarya