Ujjayi Breathing: What is it and how is it done?

This is a video on how to accomplish Ujjayi Breathing. At the very beginning of the video it describes this as a type of deep breathing from the nose and throat. To me, the purpose of Ujjayi is to help you focus and continue to breathe throughout your practice.  It can also be used for sitting meditation which I am always working on. I also looove the sound! It can sound like an ocean or as if you are breathing all life from the world only to give it as generously back. I am still working on my Ujjayi breathing. It's getting there! This video will help my journey along.


Namaste my friends,


~Writer Yogi 

Sitting Alone

image from ebrainsupplements.com

I was reading Daily Cup of Yoga and this article on Learning to Sit Alone really got into my head.  It talks about getting away from the distractions and learning to be with ourselves, and gaining calm and insight.  I've re-read over a bunch of parts because I keep thinking to myself, how do I get still?  How do I get quiet?


I've noticed lately my mind has been elsewhere most of the time.  Away in "La-La Land".  Which is fine, but after a bit, I need to snap back to reality to get things done.  Also, I think I am just urging to be alone. To be truly alone.  Not antisocial, but still, clear, open.


The article is in the meditation section on dailycupofyoga.com.  I have written about my attempts at meditation.  Starting with 5 mins or whatever I have time for.  I think I may need to revamp how I am going about it.  Which is fine. I am still at the very beginners stage of my yoga journey so I am happy to play around with ideas and techniques.  I won't leave what I have now. I just want to try other things too.  I listen to music.  I do this to try to tune out a tv that may be on, my husband moving around, house sounds.  Maybe I need to try be completely silent. No music, and to tune out whatever noises arise, or perhaps just acknowledge them and move on....


I suppose what I have learned, is to quiet the mind, is to accept my mind and then let it go.  Let all of my thoughts come to me, say hello and then allow them to pass by.  There are times when I am alone, but my mind is not.  I am always trying to think of something entertaining, whimsical or whatever.  Perhaps, once I empty that full cup in my mind, completely, silently, and oh so slowly, I can allow it to fill with better things....


Contemplatively yours my friends,
Namaste,


~Writer Yogi 

Today

Hey all, my name is Rachelle. You can call me Chelle. Or the name that a friend gave me at practice, Writer Yogi ( I love writing poetry and am a Yogi lol) This name is absolutely wonderful! And such a compliment from her.  It combines two things I want to be and am going to be. No, correction, I'm going to confirm that I am a writer and a yogi. :-)  


I'm at the beginning of my yoga journey.  I started practicing at the end of March and have been going four times a week this month for a Practice Challenge. I absolutely love it!  Yoga is really going to change my life and I hope if you are on the same journey I'm on, it will change yours too. The purpose of this blog is the share what I've learned from practice and to inspire others beginning yoga as well. To tell what yoga means for me and to hear what it means to you. If nothing else, I hope you gain some inspiration in life and enjoy whatever poetry that comes from it. 

This is a poem I wrote about starting yoga.  One thing you learn is that you need to focus on today.  Live fully in the moment and don't wait for tomorrow. Hopefully it will represent  other beginners as well. (I have it posted in my other blog, I didn't take it. Incase anyone asks about it being posted multiple times.)

Today Yogi, start as a small seed.

Nestle into your mat as a sleeping child. 

The next Today (for everyday is Today) start to slowly stretch down,

Like the yawning dog,

And up towards your possibilities.

(Forget trying to hold them all, there are too many.)

Then Today become a sapling.

Salute the sun young one. Warm your face and photosynthesize your spirit from it.

Then Today become a tree strong rooted in the earth. 

Dig in like barefooted heels when the wind blows you into Namaste.

Embrace the breeze like it is your own breathing.

(Lifting up breathe in, Settle in breathe out)

Blossom Today. And your flowers will release parts of you further into the universe.

Breathe Today.

Ahhh, Breathe Today.

Then Breathe again Today.

(Be Happy everyday is Today. 

With no tomorrow,

We won’t have to wait until then.)

I hope you enjoyed and will join me in my experience and share yours with me! 

Namaste,

Writer Yogi