During the practice, the breath is allowed to be free, never forced to be deep or slow if it needs to be faster or shallower to support the body in the pose. This is true even if using “ujjayi”, or “triumphantly ascending” pranayama as a breathing technique. Abuse of the breath is as counter productive as abuse of the body. The breath is never allowed to stop in order to “achieve” a pose. Without free breath, the asana is empty, and can even be destructive. 

    During exhalation, the breath wants the back of the body to descend, so there should be no attempt to restrict this downward flow. When this descent happens, the message to the nervous system is: “relax, release tension” (“Santosha”). If we allow gravity to aid in this descent of the back, we can establish this tension-free energy as our base. It makes no sense that we would come to this physical existence prepared to do battle with one of the major forces of the physical universe, but to treat it as an ally in the movement of energy through the body.

    As the exhalation and gravity together release the back body downward, there is a released expansion that occurs to the front of the body, preparing it for the expansion of the inhalation. The body needs no help with this expansion, as the diaphragm descends as well, opening like an umbrella, and opening the ribs for the filling of the lungs. It’s not he air we’re interested in so much, as it is the glorious expansion of the chest and collar bones, and the spinal column  itself, that sends an energy that is exhilaration itself to the nervous system “Tapas”). So as the exhalation provides a natural sedative, the inhalation provides a natural ant-depressant! Not like pills, that will make you feel good whether you want to or not, if you’re willing to take the ride with the breath it will establish you in relaxation and move you into exhilaration without strain. Allow the constant in and out breaths to balance and blend (“YOGA”) these seemingly opposite qualities into the one energy they are eternally : your inner being (“Drashtu”). Forever content, forever eager for more.

     So, let the asanas be breathing exercises...