Caring for the Breath, Always: Ancient Wisdom in Modern Practice
Breath is life, and therefore it is a precious gift. At Circle Yoga Shala, we approach breath and breathing with both reverence and simplicity, inspired by ancient texts and informed by modern understanding.
Let’s explore together some of the foundational aspects of working with the breath, often called Pranayama.
Pranayama as the Release of Breath
In its earliest understanding, Pranayama wasn’t about controlling the breath but about experiencing its natural rhythm and allowing it to flow freely.
The word itself is derived from two Sanskrit roots:
Prana: Life force or vital energy
Ayama: To release or expand
Together, Pranayama originally signified the release or liberation of the breath. The practice aimed to free the life force from the constraints that limit it. What might these constraints be? They include the physical compensations of our bodies, the rigidity of limiting beliefs, numbness or insensitivity, and the effects of habitual carelessness.
To approach the breath with the aim of controlling it is to forget its magnificence—it is the life force itself, an unfathomable intelligence that animates us. Instead of imposing our will upon it, we may be better off releasing it, so that its innate wisdom can guide us.
Pranayama as Awareness
Rooted in this philosophical understanding, our approach to Pranayama begins with the simple yet profound act of awareness. At its core, Pranayama is not about doing, but about being. It invites us to step into the present moment and develop a deep curiosity about the breath exactly as it is—without interference or judgment.
This practice of pure observation is both foundational and transformative. By paying attention to the natural rhythm of the breath, we begin to notice its nuances: the subtle ebb and flow, the pauses, and the areas where it might feel restricted or free. This awareness lays the groundwork for all future exploration and cannot be rushed or overlooked.
In this stage, we aren’t striving to control or manipulate the breath but to cultivate a relationship with it. The breath becomes a mirror, reflecting back the patterns, habits, and tensions we carry, often unconsciously. Only after coming to know the breath can we begin to take intelligent action.
The “Breath Body”
As we begin observing the breath, our attention is drawn toward what we call the “breath body.” Just as our physical form has distinct parts like arms and legs, the breath also has its own anatomy, made up of three essential components.
While the first two parts may feel familiar, the third is subtler, often overlooked, yet equally vital. Let’s explore each:
Inhale: The inhale expands and energizes, drawing in Prana and invigorating the senses.
Exhale: The exhale softens and grounds, carrying away what is no longer needed—a process sometimes referred to as cleansing.
Pause: Between the inhale and exhale lies a stillness—a natural pause. This is the point of transition where the inhale turns into the exhale and the exhale turns into the inhale. Subtle and easily missed, this space offers profound insight for those who pay attention.
Yoga Teacher Training
For us, all Pranayama practice begins with the breath body, or Svara Pranayama, in both our 200hr YTT and 300hr YTT. This foundational practice—rooted in observation and reverence for the breath’s natural rhythm—provides the most respectful and gradual way to introduce and develop a meaningful relationship with Prana.
By starting here, we allow students to build awareness and sensitivity without the interference of techniques that attempt to alter or control the breath prematurely. This approach honors the breath’s innate intelligence and ensures that any subsequent practice is grounded in a profound understanding of its subtleties.
Through this practice, students cultivate a deep reverence for the breath and its vital role. This gentle, deliberate beginning sets the stage for an authentic and transformative journey—one that evolves organically, guided by one’s own wisdom.
