Pranayam is often interpreted as “control of breath.” Which is very limited. Pranayam is “the expansion of breath and prana.”

Pranayam is both outwardly quiet and abstract, as well as, inwardly precise and powerful. It is a long and challenging voyage, which involves a different approach from asana  practice. Whereas, the postures can initially make use of willpower and determination. But, Breathing cannot be done with strength or force.

Yoga Stories: The Art of Breathing

A bio-energetic’s teacher organised a competition between two businessmen. By connecting them with wires to two model electric trains. The trains were set up in such a way ;that the more relaxed their drivers became, the faster their alpha waves would make the carriages go. The more they tried to win in the traditional way, the more the trains slowed down.

The breath is very similar.  If we use hardness, intense concentration; it slips further away. On the other hand, reflection, stillness and refinement helps in improving pranayam practice.

The art of breathing requires the breath to be steady, evenly prolonged, channeled and conscious.

B.K.S. Iyengar once said that, anyone with less than 12 years of regular pranayam practice was still at the raw beginner stage. Despite this, we see the benefits of breathing exercises, as early as the first week. Don’t try and control it, but ease into your pranayam practice.

Iti Jain

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