Calming my mind is not easy. Here’s how I have started to calm my mind. So I’ve dabbled in yoga since 2014. I’ve always known the endless benefits of yoga however the core foundation, which I had never mastered, is the breathing. Breathwork equips us to handle stress, anxiety and lingering trauma. Six years later I have won gold and finally know how to do Ujjayi breathing.
Ujjayi translates as victorious. When done correctly Ujjayi breathing is both energising and relaxing. Ujjayi is an active form of meditation that allows us to disconnect from the mind and be guided by our body and heart. It works because when I’m ujjayi breathing, I’m concentrating on my breath and I am not in my head. Meaning I’m present and my non-stop thinking mind is calm.
To practise Ujjayi breathing first the mouth is always closed as you breathe in and out of your nose. Next the sound of Ujjayi breathing is created by gently constricting the opening of your throat, this causes your in breath to be heard. Once this is done slowly breathe in, like sipping through a straw. What I do is think about breathing into my mouth. Then slowly breathe out. Repeat and keep going. Focus on creating a soothing sound that is unhurried and unforced. The sound is similar to when I am scuba diving with the oxygen mask on, it’s also like the sound of the ocean waves rolling in and out.