Tias was honored to be featured by Shambhala Publications, the same publisher that released his book, Yoga of the Subtle Body. Click here to view the original article!
More than anything it is important to come to know the quality of our own breath. In the beginning, I used to strive to expand my breath in the same way I actively stretched in a yoga posture. But I have learned that it is important, imperative really, not to “push the river of your breath.” Rather, it is best to follow the current of your breath—that is to sense its rhythm, texture, and nuance.
Avoid trying to manipulate your breath like you would your hip joint in half moon pose! Sometimes we try to “colonize” our breath and become the master of it. I think it is better to watch, wait, and listen. I like to say, “let the breath breathe you.”
I think the more we can observe the changes in our breath while inviting our breath to open, the more we can open without causing harm. Have the intention to come to know your breath intimately—that is, take great care.
Deep internal breath work is like holding a small child. Visualize “cradling” your breath so that it will spontaneously soften and spread. Yogic breathing is a super delicate dance that involves actively moving your breath while passively receiving its flow.
