Breathing Blissfully

Known in yoga as Pranayama, nothing connects us to the present moment, regulates our heart rate, or balances our nervous system like breathing. It seems over simplistic, but the practice of taking conscious, steady, and deep breaths is the most accessible strategy we have to calm our minds and bodies almost instantly. To begin, set aside five minutes to sit comfortably, close your eyes, and listen to your breath.

• Observe the sound, the rhythm, and the tone of the breath.
• Imagine the breath entering your lungs with each inhale.
• Feel the expansion in your ribcage and abdomen as the breath oxygenates your blood.
• Experience the release of the breath through an extended and complete exhale.
• Enjoy each luxurious breath.

Illustrator credit: Layal Idriss