Post #79: 12-minute Dirgha & Ujjayi Breath-Work Practice

I have unintentionally taken a few weeks off from my blog. I had to put one of my doggies to sleep almost 7 weeks ago, and it has affected me in ways that I could not foresee.

Those last 2 weeks of Sochi’s life I was fortunately able to spend a lot of time with her. I felt like Sochi helped me to flip a switch and stop pushing myself to get everything done right now. I did a lot of sitting on the couch with her in my lap. I spent time just watching tv and petting her.

I needed that time with her. She needed me and I was able to be there for her. She went every where with me those last several weeks. All she wanted as her kidneys began failing was to be in my lap. And I was grateful to have the time for that.

Sochi was a little tan and white terrier mix about 18 pounds with a beautiful tail that had a little bit of black in it. She pranced when she walked and she was the kind of dog I never had to leash. She would follow me anywhere and hop in the car happy just to be going with me. She loved riding with me to pick up the kids from school. I miss her. I am grateful for her last lesson to me, which is to stop pushing myself to finish that never-ending to-do list and just enjoy the ride. And so these last 7 weeks I have been partly in grief, partly savoring the downtime, and partly finishing up this breath-work video that I had started before she passed.

Sochi’s last care ride to pick up our girls.

So this weeks blog includes 2 videos: one is an introduction to dirgha and ujjayi breath-work; second is a 12 minute breath-work practice including dirgha and ujjayi.

This breath-work helps us to clear out stress and any blocks to our love, joy, and creativity. It can also be used with your asana (body postures) practice to help increase your strength, flexibility, and balance. You will be amazed at the difference in doing, for example, Warrior 3 pose with dirgha breath-work layered in. You will notice instantly that it’s easier to maintain your balance.

Play with this breath-work. Notice the difference it makes when you use it in various ways. 

Remember, you are a force for good in the world. The more consistent you get with these practices the more your life will become guided, sacred, and filled with meaning. You cannot help but then extend deep peace, joy, and contentment to your loved ones, friends, and everyone you meet. The world could use more of this, so let’s get you in the best space to make it happen.

Introduction to Dirgha & Ujjayi Breath-Work

12-Minute Dirgha (3-part breath) and Ujjayi (ocean-sounding breath) Practice