Yoga: Letting Your Breath Guide You

As my journey with yoga continues, it has become clearer to me that this is the path I was meant to be on. I'm a firm believer in second chances, and encourage my students to not give up on yoga, even if it means walking away for a break and returning. I walked away from yoga practice for four years before returning and discovering a passion I didn't know existed. Below is a story from Pat Bruno, founder and Director of Pathways Yoga Systems. Pat is a fitness, and stress reduction specialist and a certified Yoga teacher with over 40 years of teaching experience.

"My yoga journey began with an introduction to conscious relaxation, although I didn't think of it as yoga at the time.

A mother of five, my first two children were born while my husband was in the mlitary during the Vietnam era. These military hospital births were not calm, spiritual, family moments; in fact, my husband was not there and I was surrounded by strangers.

When I became pregnant with my third child, I wanted a different experience. I
heard about a Lamaze class where I could participate in my labor and child's
birth. My husband and I decided to drive an hour every week, (not a common
practice 42 year ago), and take classes with a nurse/ Lamaze coach, who focused
on body relaxation and the breathing practices which aid in childbirth. I
learned wonderful relaxation responses and conscious breathing exercises that
were immensely helpful. I loved feeling in control of my body at a time when I
had previously felt no control at all.

After giving birth, I continued with the relaxation practices, which aided tremendously in relaxation and sleep after a busy day with three children! My path to yoga took a two-year hiatus as I continued to raise my family, but I never stopped using my breathing exercises. It's amazing to think a Lamaze class would be the inspiration for my yoga practice."

As you can see from both our journeys, the road isn't always clear or straight, but if you're meant to get there, you certainly will. Let your breath guide you.

Until next week, Namaste

~ Ginger