Ovulation is a time of big energy, associated with summer and the fire element. This is a great time to use a breathing exercise that creates some heat!
Breathing Exercise: Ujjayi Breath
Ujjayi means victorious - perfect for the confidence and expression of ovulation! Each inhale and exhale is a celebration of life. This breath helps warm the body from the inside out and will also keep the mind focused on the present moment. Ujjayi is a helpful practice because you can hear it and feel it. It is both energizing and grounding.
- Find a comfortable position and rest your hands by your sides or in your lap.
- Take a few deep breaths to get centered.
- Take an inhale through your nose and create a slight constriction at the back of your throat to generate a soft wheezing sound.
- As you exhale through your mouth, keep the constriction at the back of your throat to maintain the wheezing sound as you push the air out. (Imagine there is a mirror in front of you that you are trying to fog up with your breath.)
- As you inhale, contract the diaphragm and create space for your lungs to expand. As you exhale, relax the diaphragm and press the air from your lungs.
- Once you find a comfortable rhythm with your breath, close your mouth. Inhale and exhale through your nose. Keep the constriction through the back of your throat. Make sure to give your breath sound – like the sound of Darth Vader or the ocean waves.
- Try to inhale for a slow count of three or four. Then exhale for a slow count of the same number.
- Practice for 5-10 minutes.