Brenda Louw
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    • And... breathe!
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And… BREATHE!
These lessons are free for you to join in.
If, however, you'd like to contribute with a donation, go here.​
​

A Yogi measures the span of life by the number of breaths,
not by the number of years.
 
​
Swami Sivananda
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We breathe every day without thinking about it - so what's the big deal?

AWARENESS of your breathing is an amazing thing -
Besides having profound influences on your physical body,
​it can bring you into the 'moment', bringing calmness and stillness to your mind and emotions.
Basically - it can improve and enhance your life in beautiful ways!

These short videos have information for you to delve deeper into the wonderful experience that is your breath,
 and how to improve your breath capacity and immunity.
These practices, unless otherwise stated, can be used if you have respiratory issues, 
and will help optimise your breathing through breathlessness.
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To get a better basic understanding of breathing and how it affects your life,
it's best to follow the 'lessons' in succession.
I have also added some links and resources that you may find interesting.

PLEASE NOTE:
These notes are from my personal studies and are meant only as guidelines for self-enquiry.
My notes are continually added to, adapted and changed…
they are only a drop in the vast ocean of anatomical, movement and yoga knowledge. 
​I encourage you to do the same- undertake your own research and explore your own practice...
​it's immense!

ALSO:
Not all breathing exercises are suitable for everyone, and may result in injury.
To reduce your risk of injury, consult your doctor before beginning these exercises. If you engage in these exercises, you agree that you do so at your own risk and are voluntarily participating in these activities. The instructions and advice presented are in no way intended as a substitute for medical counselling.
​The creators, producers, teachers and distributors of these classes disclaim any liabilities or loss in connection with the exercises and advice therein. 
​

INTRODUCTION: a bit of anatomy & THE LUNGS
​and a Buteyko nose clearing exercise to unblock a congested nose. 
 The introduction is in 2 x 5 min sections....

A bit more anatomy: THE JELLY FISH Diaphragm
wonderful how nature repeats patterns


WHAT IS A DEEP BREATH?
​soft and quiet, not big and loud!


Freedom in POSTURE AND MOVEMENT
creating space in your inner ocean

SHUT YOUR MOUTH!
a good practice to improve blood oxygen saturation and STAY SAFE!

BREATHING LESS and a bit about the E.X.H.A.L.E.
​where stillness can be found for your mind, body and soul

My thoughts on PRANAYAMA in Yoga
...dangerous tiger or loveable pussycat?
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‘Cautions to be judicious and respectful of breathing abound in the literature on hatha yoga….
Unfortunately, novices close their ears to these warnings….
​Problems can arise without giving us traditional signals warning us against doing something harmful.
David H Coulter, Anatomy of Hatha Yoga
​‘Just as lions, elephants and tigers are gradually controlled,
so the prana is controlled through practice.
Otherwise the practitioner is destroyed'.
​
Hatha Yoga Pradipika Chapter 2:15
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Here is my 'take' on prana and the ayama!

My thoughts on UJJAYI breath
...as practiced in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga.

Thankyou!
Feel free to get in touch with any queries.

I offer 1-2-1 consultations (by donation)
via skype or wats app.
​

And remember to
​

...Smile.... Breathe.... Go Slowly….
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Links and Resources

​An animation of the inflation and deflation of your lungs.

Warning: this clip has images of human cadavers
​Gil Hedley is an amazing modern anatomist - scroll down for 'Exquisite Lungs'.

Here's some mesmerising jellyfish movement.

Some interesting Yagary ideas on all sorts of thngs


​George Catlin wrote about shutting your mouth in the late 1800's!

The Buteyko Method has some good practices

I love the Wim Hof Breathing practices

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  • Home
  • YOGA & MEDITATION
    • Lockdown Live Online
    • Virtual Yoga Classes
    • MEDITATION >
      • MINI MEDITATIONS
      • GUIDED MEDITATIONS & relaxations
      • INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION
    • And... breathe!
    • Indoor YOGA
    • Outdoor Yoga
    • 300Hr teacher training
  • VOLUNTEER GARDENING
  • About/Contact
    • Disclaimer & Privacy Notices
  • Pay/Donate