Breathe Into Your Day

Making space for a new practice isn't easy - especially first thing in the morning. Be proud of yourself for taking this time to help your day unfold more intentionally. Today's class will focus on creating space in your body with a three-part breathing technique called dirgha pranayama. You'll focus on observing your full, complete breath, then end with an expansive mantra. Props Suggested: A meditation cushion or yoga block.

Waking up for practice is already a victory, but let's carry that feeling even further. Today you'll learn ujjayi pranayama, otherwise known as victorious breath. Let the sounds and sensations of your breathing gently wash over you, then repeat a mantra for confidence. Props Suggested: A meditation cushion or yoga block.

Feel like you're expanding, so you can beam your energy and radiate your light. Today you'll learn an energizing breath technique called bhastrika (bellows breath), that will wake up your body and mind. Develop a steady rhythm of equal inhales and exhales, building toward a powerful mantra. This is an active breath, so it might be helpful to have some tissues nearby. Props Suggested: A meditation cushion or yoga block.

Sweep up scattered thoughts to make more space for the day with kapalabhati pranayama (skull polishing breath). You'll use short, powerful exhales to blow away any dust that's settled in your mind, and encourage a day of clear focus. Take a moment to appreciate the space and the silence, then carry that clarity into your day. Props Suggested: A meditation cushion or yoga block.

Use a five-count breath to balance your mind and your day. Focus on breathing with an equal inhale and exhale, a practice known as sama vrtti pranayama. Breathe as slowly and fully as you comfortably can, drawing in and sending out balanced energy. Props Suggested: A meditation cushion or yoga block.

Taking a pause before we react ensures we show up in our truth and speak from our hearts. Today's class will introduce kumbhaka, the practice of pausing between your inhale and exhale. You'll connect your breathing to the sound of “AUM” to begin your day peacefully and mindfully. Props Suggested: A meditation cushion or yoga block.

Now that you've learned to harness your energy with your breath, become a clear channel through which it flows. Your final practice will introduce nadi shodhana (alternate nostril breathing), to balance your energy and harmonize your mind. Open yourself to feeling clear and full of light, so wisdom, love and energy can flow through you. Props Suggested: A meditation cushion or yoga block.