Pose of the week: Hit the pause button

Once again, I am sharing a pose of the week. My goal in doing this is in part to deepen my own practice, as I take time to reflect on a particular pose or aspect of yoga. And also to inspire you at home, whether you can come out to a yoga class or not... you can always add a little calm into your day. This week, rather than an actual pose, I am sharing a quick 'pause button' strategy that can be applied anytime, anywhere when you might be running at warp speed. It only takes a moment and encourages you to reconnect with your breath, with yourself, and to release negative energy from your body and mind.


i. Lengthen your spine: Sit (or stand with both feet solid on the floor). Imagine the top of your head extending toward the ceiling. This simple step alone creates space in your spine and torso, allowing your lungs to expand fully.
ii. Inhale: Take a deep, full breath: imagine your abdomen filling with air from the bottom of your belly, and your lungs filling to the top of your chest. As you inhale your bring oxygen into your cells, restoring and energizing your entire body.
iii. Exhale: Release the breath in reverse order, from the top of th elungs to the lowest part of the belly. At the same time, mentally let go of anything that is bothering you. The exhale is naturally detoxifying. It's like a sigh releasing as much emotional energy as it does air.
iv. Pause: When you reach the 'bottom' of your exhale, rest for a beat before you inhale (without tightening or holding your breath). This creates a moment of stillness that helps your mind slow down and your body relax. When you pause after an exhale, before drawing in your next breath, you create a moment that allows you to let go of whatever transpired before. This temporary respite prevents stress from snowballing, interrupts the tendency to take shallow breaths, and raises self-awareness.


If you can, repeat again starting at lengthening and inhaling, staying present and conscious at each part of this breathing exercise. No matter where you are, or what you are doing... this is an easy breathing exercise that is totally inconspicuous.

So when it feels like everything is moving a little too fast (whether around you or in your own mind)... take a moment to hit the pause button, and breathe.

breathe easily, sleep soundly, walk softly...