yoga and the breath

One of the foundations of yoga is control of the breath. I've known this. But saying this is rather like someone who cannot see saying that grass is green- it's a mere recitation of fact, not knowledge. Breathe in when the asana opens the chest. Breathe out when the asana closes the chest.

Yesterday evening I finally got it... everything I'd done before on this topic was merely mimicry. Too much in the conscious mind, I'd have to think to myself 'Breathe in. No, breathe in. Ok, now start the movement.' The moment was lost.

The movement is easier, yes, even if you consciously force the breath to match what is "required". This basic marrying of thought and breath and movement does provide benefit and ease in the poses. But when the breath inspires the movement- when movement inevitably happens as a result of one's breathing- that is all the difference.

In jump-forwards, I'd lift my head, breathe in, begin breathing out, and then consciously jump. There was a reason for this; in the beginning I'd frequently take my breath and then complete the movement entirely in the pause between breaths. Once the movement stopped, I'd breathe again. This was no good. I transitioned over the years to consciously noting where I was, rather like how I pause at the top of an escalator to watch how fast the steps go by before stepping out. I'd breathe and then start my pose once I was sure I'd keep breathing in the pose. This was better, but not good enough.

Finally, last night, the movement and the breath were born in the same instant. And my feet leapt forward weightlessly.