Last week I set my beginner yogis homework asking them to simply observe the breath patterns of those around them. Not on the yoga mat but out there in life while people are talking, eating, walking. When we first go to yoga the importance of proper breathing can be mystifying. This exercise will show you how a person's breath pattern relates directly to the inner-workings of their mind. Observe. Do they forget to breathe? Do they breathe shallow in the chest? Take sharp gulps? How are they handling life?  This can be very important data especially when a person's words conflict with their breath pattern. Are they telling you they are 'fine' but breathing erratically? They are not fine. Their mind is running some loops around them and they're likely unpleasant. This exercise is best performed without judgement. Simply noticing, witnessing and opening into a present state with the world and how it breathes will expand your own field of awareness. 

To take this experiment even further also begin to notice your own breathing. How do you breathe when you talk? Does it change depending on the circumstance? Notice how you breathe around different people and how you breathe at work, at home or traveling. For now focus on the ordinary everyday moments and interactions not the high intensity moments. The breath doesn't lie, it will sort out your preferences for you. It will show you who or what you must let go of in order to live a happy fulfilled life that is aligned with True Self. 

Breathing intentionally can also help you to move through the things you cannot change with grace.   

Try this free breathing meditation. It can be done at your desk or find a quiet corner seated with your back straight. 

 BREATHE

Stop what you are doing and sit up straight. Roll the shoulders to the ears and settle shoulder blades down your back. Feel your sit bones pressing into the seat. 

Breathe wide into the front of the ribs, a few rounds, see how that feels. Now breathe into the front and back ribs really expanding into it. Go on, open up your breath as wide as possible. See how it feels.

As you breathe out feel the bottom of the rib cage moving down towards your hips. Gently now, no need to force. 

Breathe in fully expanding your breath as wide as you can and hold your breath at the top of the inhale - 3 seconds - release all of the air out of your lungs. Hold your breath at the bottom of the exhale - 3 seconds - repeat x5 to 10 rounds. 

Let your breathing return to normal and observe your state. How was that?

JAI Namaste.