A very simple yogic breathing technique to help reduce stress: "Box Breathing" or Sama Vritti
“Pranayama” is yoga’s practice of focusing on the breath. Sama Vritti is a very simple breathing technique to learn.
But breathing practices are far from simple!
Pranayama has been my biggest challenge in 2022. My lungs aren’t quite the same since I had that infamous virus. But they are improving!
(As with anything in yoga, listen to your body).
This one is often referred to as “box breathing,” but the ancient yogis called it Sama Vritti.
Rather than teach it as “box breathing,” I prefer to be true to yoga’s roots and call it by its actual name.
The pranayama (or breathing) technique, Sama Vritti, is about breathing in equal ratios:
- First, breathe in for 4 counts
- Then hold your breathe (gently, you’re not diving) for 4 counts).
- Exhale for 4 counts
- Hold your exhalation for 4 counts.
Even though they are some pranayama practices that are challenging for me, I find I can always come back to this one.
I shared about it the other day on Instagram. Are you following there? If so, you would have learned this sooner 😉
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A post shared by Heather Larson Life Coach (@destinyarchitect)