The Victorious Breath Part 1
 

Many yoga posture practice styles use a system of breathing which incorporates Pranayama or breath control into the practice. There are different breathing techniques which are used depending on the style, each with its own myriad of subtleties, however this series will focus on the probably the widest used and energy- building method, the Ujjayi (ooh-jy-ee) or Victorious Breath. Here is presented the grosser aspects of this system and a simple practice you can use to help calm and center your mind and increase well-being and use in your own yoga practice if you wish.

       Sitting in a comfortable position, gently close your eyes and turn your focus to the breath allowing it to relax and calm. Avoid forcing the breath, instead let it just happen and mentally invite the breath in, first breathing through the mouth. Begin making the sound 'Haaa' as you inhale and exhale and when this becomes easy, close the mouth and begin breathing through the nostrils, continuing to make the 'Haaa' sound. Observe the sensation that occurs in the back of the throat as the breath is swirled there, and observe the hissing sound created similar to waves gently breaking in the distance. Inhaling through the nostrils helps to clean the air as it passes through the nasal passages and raise it to body temperature and exhaling through the nostrils helps to prevent the release of vital energy with the breath. Continue breathing in this way for 5 minutes or so, allowing and inviting the breath to lengthen and deepen, creating more room in the lungs, and to become consistent in sound and length of both the inhale and the exhale. Also allow a space where the breath turns around from inhale to exhale and exhale to inhale: this is a holding of the breath but part of the rhythmic, meditative cycle.

      The sound of the Victorious Breath serves as a mantra for the mind, drawing the mind inward and helping to calm, quiet and center the mind. In the practice of yoga postures, this system of breathing can serve as the guiding light in the practice, leading the body from posture to posture. As we learn to ride the breath like a wave, the breath and movement unite and the practice becomes a wonderful meditative experience. In part 2 we will explore the use of bhandas (locks) or energy gates in this breathing system.