We might call this post "How to Breathe Correctly".  But pranayama is about much more than breathing. 

Pranayama is a Sanskrit word made of two parts: "prana," which means vital energy and "yama," which means control.  So pranayama means to control one's store of vital energy.  This is accomplished through exercises involving the breath.

Pranayama is the fourth limb of Raja or Ashtanga Yoga and is listed after Asana.  Accordingly, pranayama is often taught as a next step after a beginner starts to understand how to practice yoga poses correctly.

Pranayama both enhances our experience of asana, as it allows us to regulate our breathing to practice yoga poses more steadily and comfortably, and is the first step toward meditation, as it balances our energies and settles the mind.

All breathing is practiced through the nose in yoga.  However, if you feel claustrophobic or you're having trouble getting your breath, try breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth a few times and return to breathing through your nose, and then, the pranayama practice as you're ready.

It may seem esoteric, but actually pranayama practices are very simple.  The most important thing for the beginning practitioner is not to strain or overdo these practices, which is why it is usually recommended to practice these exercises under the guidance of an experienced teacher. 

There are also several breathing techniques that, while not formal pranayama practices, are very useful in teaching the beginner how to breathe comfortably and correctly before trying to practice pranayama in earnest.  Practice all breathing and pranayama techniques for at least a few rounds and up to a few minutes each.

I explore all these preparatory exercises and pranayama practices below with gifs.  Because the breath is really subtle, you'll have to pay close attention to see what is happening in the gifs.

Want to learn how to relax even more?  Join us for yoga in the evenings - online or in person - and learn how regular practice can improve the quality of your sleep.

1) What brought you to yoga?

My journey through yoga started from a disordered state - but along the way, I was exposed to the truth of yoga: that yoga is a tool of connection. Once I discovered that yoga isn't about perfection or fitness, my yoga really started. I practice to find peace in my body, and have found profound psychological benefits from yoga.

2) What is your approach to teaching?

I teach to honor all beings where they are at right now. My goal with each class is to hold space for folks at all levels by offering accessible + inclusive classes filled with ample modifications and options. I teach trauma-informed, psychologically sensitive yoga and acknowledge that most folks who come into public classes have experienced some trauma, depression, or anxiety, just as I do. By bringing this perspective to the practice, I hope to break the stigma that surrounds mental illness and help others find ease, peace, relief, and maybe even home in their own bodies. 

3) Why did you choose to teach at 5KY?

5KY radiates welcoming energy!! I feel at home at 5KY and don't feel like I have to fit into a certain depiction of what a yoga teacher should be. One of the greatest gifts yoga holds is community, and I'm grateful to be a part of the 5KY community. 

4) What makes your soul sing?

Things that make my soul sing (that aren't yoga or teaching, cuz of course those do too!): dancing like no one's watching even if everyone is, a well-crafted horror movie, baking, supporting my friends, and my morning coffee + reading ritual. 

You can find Sierra at 5KY on Sundays at 1:15 pm.

5KY’s cornerstone is and always will be the Yoga for the Special Child method. Although this method is specifically designed for kids with disabilities, it is entirely adaptable to any population. Who among us doesn’t have special needs? And aren’t we all just big kids?

I’d say, only if we work at it do we retain that childlike sense of wonder that is our theme this month. We speak a lot about practicing as if it’s the first time on our mat. This helps develop that wonder and curiosity about our body and mind, which helps us transcend them.

I think this life lesson - like so many we learn on our mat - is incredibly important off our mat as well. As boring adults, I envision us like commuters on the El at rush hour: pushing forward, heads down, earbuds in, totally disconnected from the life around us, just so we can move toward our goal.