Follow the breath
Most people learn that breathing is a given. We know we depend on it to live, but we assume it’s something that exists within us and functions without us needing to think about it. We grow older and don’t give it much importance because we forget that our life lasts from our first breath, taken when we leave our mother’s womb, to our last breath before leaving this world.
We forget that our life unfolds, with changes every instant, sometimes with moments of victory and defeat, full and happy heights, other times boring and sad, phases of inspiration or deep doubt and blockage, states of progression and growth, of stagnation and regression, etc.
We forget that the years go by, we live through so many situations and experiences, but what has never changed and will never change is our breath, which remains with us, day after day, night after night.
Yoga teaches that each breath is a gift, a possibility to become who we dream of being, and an opportunity to continue trying to grow and evolve. And those who come to our Shala slowly begin to learn to connect with their breath, to know it, and to stop considering it a given. Practice after practice, you learn that the breath is a gift, a help, an anchor, and a compass. Each inhalation invites us to look inward, and each exhalation allows us to let go, to find space and freedom. Contact with the breath allows us to know ourselves, and this knowledge generates growth and evolution.
The breath is our empathetic and generous companion, with no criticism, judgment, or complaints. The breath has the power to show us the right path and teaches us that we don’t need to live according to the rhythm outside, despite it being increasingly fast, intense, and exhausting. The breath teaches us to live better with ourselves and to realize that we already have within us everything we seek: peace, calm, happiness, satisfaction, fulfillment.
The next time you feel lost, confused, unmotivated, and exhausted, connect with your breath, follow each inhale and exhale, and fill yourself with light and motivation again.
BOAS PRÁTICAS
