Let Go With Lion's Breath

Need a quick way to release tension and bring some playfulness into your day? Lion's breath is just the thing. In less than 3 minutes, this energizing pranayama (breath control) practice will offer you a chance to let go just a little bit.

Transcript

I'm excited you're joining me to let go with lion's breath. Lion's breath is one of the lesser taught pranayama practices in general yoga classes and breath circles. And I'm going to say maybe it's because it's a little bit silly. It involves sticking your tongue out, Making a noise. So there's some bit of vulnerability in expressing yourself that way. And also it's such a wonderful opportunity to bring some playfulness back into your day and to not take yourself too seriously. So I encourage you to go for it knowing that no one can see you. So for this practice you'll be making little fists You can do this sitting or standing, It's up to you. And when you inhale with your little fist, You're going to scrunch up everything in your face, Your eyes, Your cheeks, Your lips, Everything gets really tight. And then when you exhale, You make your little lion claws. So you can create a little claw. You lean forward, Stick your tongue out. Your eyes can go and gaze at the tip of your nose. And then you make a sound like, Hey, All right, So a little bit silly and playful. So powerful though, Too. So give it a try. So inhaling, Tighten everything up. Closing the eyes, Scrunching everything. Exhale. Notice how that felt. Inhale. Three more times. Grrrr! Last one, Be silly with me. Now relax everything. Take a moment to notice. Observe your inner rhythms, Your heartbeat. Notice sensation in your face, For you may not often have sensation after breath practices. And see if you observe any quality of letting go. Letting go of tension. Letting go of seriousness. Letting go of anything at all. Just observe, Taking a breath or two. So that didn't take long at all, Did it? You can do this practice anytime when you need to let go a little bit and to bring some playfulness into your day. Thanks for joining me, Thanks for being a little bit silly, And I'll see you again next time.