Every Body Yoga: Let Go of Fear, Get On the Mat, Love Your Body.

by Jessamyn Stanley

Breathing is arguably the most underestimated and underrated aspect of the modern yoga practice. Pranayama takes its name from prana, the cosmic energy that exists within all living creatures and the world around us. In essence, prana is the connective energy that draws all living beings together.

Yogic philosophy indicates that breath should always come before motion—in essence, taking a breath should precede and guide all action. This is true for our lives both on and off the mat. When