Ask Amy: Question # 1

What does it mean to link body, breath and mind together during asana?  I keep hearing that phrase and I don’t understand what it means.  Please explain.

We are just asking you to link your body to your breath, by using your mind to focus.  So instead of mindlessly lifting an arm with a random breath pattern, while you think about your grocery list….we ask you to be more focused.  Start the exhalation as you begin to extend your arm across your body.  Finish the exhalation just as your fingers touch your shoulder.  Use your mind to coordinate the breath with the movement and actually feel the muscles in your shoulder.  This is yoga.

Twist on the exhalation phase of the breath.

Gently engage your lower abdomen as you exhale into the twist.

Focus your attention on your abdominal region.