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In place of pranayama, I am using the term "breath" because it is
more inclusive and less structured. Often translated as breath control, pranayama really means to build and refine energy
flow, usually through regulating the breath. What we don't need is more control in the sense of rigid or restricted breath.
We need freedom and spontaneity of breath. Great speakers and singers know this intuitively. It is said that a master is aware
of every breath. Each breath is unique - just observe. It has also been said that we are born with a fixed number of breaths.
Regulation of the breath and more conscious breathing prolongs and enhances the quality of life .
Breath awareness is inseparable from asana and meditation. In fact
yoga postures open the breath and breath deepens postures. Breath is the bridge between body, mind, and spirit. Breathwork
is as mystical as any of the other yoga practices. More than the physiological functioning of the body, it is the life
force of the universe that flows in and out of us through the breath.
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