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Yoga Journal 4/19

Pranayama is consistently the focus of the yoga classes I have been attending. The first instruction is always to take deep breaths, and this instruction is repeated throughout the class. My teacher also shows us how to use different types of breathing, like alternate nostril breathing and ujjayi breathing. Although these breathing techniques are not emphasized at every class, they are the focus of about half of the classes I have attended. Often, these techniques are practiced first without any postures or movements of the body to go along with them, which further emphasizes the importance of breathing in my class. In addition to these techniques, the teacher tells us throughout the class to make sure we are moving with our breaths, and that our focus is remaining on our breath. Based on these instructions, it is very clear that pranayama is a focus of my yoga class, with the physical postures being much less important. Based on other instruction from the teacher, like to keep the mind quiet and free of thoughts, I assume that the purpose of this emphasis on breath control is to keep the mind focused and to avoid wandering of the mind or outside thoughts. The breathing techniques practiced are also very calming, so this may be another reason that the teacher uses them.

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