Breath Work By Ceri Lloyd

Rituals

Taking a few minutes each day to sit down, tune in and focus on the breath has so many incredible benefits. We’re currently living in such uncertain times, dealing with a lot more stress, anxiety, and change.

Committing to a regular breathing practice can not only help you to cope with any stress or anxiety you may be experiencing but it can also help to change your perspective and see certain situations in a different light, cultivating a more positive, happy, and peaceful sense of self.

I’m Ceri, a Yoga teacher based in Nantlle, North Wales. I teach breathwork at the beginning and end of every class. I never skip the breathwork as it’s an integral part of the practice. The physical asanas are great for releasing physical tension but it’s when I teach the breathwork that I really start to see and feel people’s moods and demeanour shift.

In this blog, I wanted to share with you one of my favourite breathing techniques called Savitri Pranayama. This is a 3 part breath sequence that helps to relax the nervous system, let go of any tension as well as calm the mind.

If you have the time, then this 3 part breath is best practiced sitting down on the floor with your legs crossed in Sukha Asana. However, if you’re really busy, rather than skipping the practice all together, try practicing it in the car on the way to work or during your lunch break at work.

Savitri Pranayama

Begin the practice by coming into a comfortable seated position with the legs crossed in Sukha Asana. If you have your Aery candle to hand, light it to set a calming atmosphere. Let the hands rest on the knees, palms facing up towards the sky. Keep the spine nice and straight and think about lengthening through the crown of the head. Gently close your eyes.

Bring your attention to the breath and take a slow, deep breath in through the nose, followed by a slow deep breath out through the nose. As you breathe out, allow the body to relax by releasing any physical tension.
Let the shoulders drop away from the ears and closer towards the ground, release any tension in the jaw and release tension from both the buttocks and the legs.
When you feel a little more relaxed start breathing slowly in through the nose for 6 seconds and exhaling slowly through the nose for 6 seconds.
Practice this for around 6 - 9 rounds, breathing in and out through the nose for 6 seconds. Keep relaxing the body deeper and deeper with each exhale, letting any physical or mental tension melt away.

You can return to this practice anytime, anywhere, however, I would suggest that first thing in the morning is the ultimate time to practice the 3 part breath. Practicing first thing in the morning can not only set you up for the day but it can also set a positive tone for the day ahead, helping you to feel more focused, relaxed and grounded.

If you’re able to practice Savitri Pranayama on a regular basis, building on your practice each day until you’re able to dedicate around 10 -15 minutes daily, then you’ll really start to feel and see some profound shifts, cultivating a happier, brighter, more energised and positive you!

You can follow checkout Ceri's yoga classes and online store here

Breath Work By Ceri Lloyd - Saib Yoga

Rituals

Savitri Pranayama

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