Breathing, whilst something we do on a daily basis to stay alive, is a powerhouse of potential sitting right under our noses waiting to be discovered in order to unlock the fullness of life. We can harness the power of the breath to give us more energy, to calm us down, to help us feel centred when we are overwhelmed, to warm, to cool, to balance, to cleanse, to heal, the list is endless.

Pranayama is the practice of breath regulation and the fourth of the eight limbs of yoga. In Sanskrit prana means life energy and yama means control. The practice of pranayama therefore is the practice of controlling our life energy and the quality of our breath directly influences the quality of our life.

Daily stressors, tension and physical habits can create physical and energetic obstacles in our bodies. Without even noticing it our breathing can gradually become more shallow or stilted. We can develop unconscious breathing patterns restricting the flow of breath and prana. Have you noticed holding your breath in anticipation, short rapid breathes when scared or anxious, deep belly breathes when rested or sleeping.

Establishing a daily pranayama practice can be just the thing to help you turn that corner. Just breathe is your pal in your pocket to help you through the day. Whether you struggle with low energy, lack of sleep, overwhelm there is a breathing technique for you. Shift the energetic blocks one breath at a time and expand in to a brighter, lighter future.