Breath Practice:
Lion’s Breath

Overview:

Lion’s Breath is a powerful and fun practice that is an invitation for lightness, fun, and letting go of what other’s think, which may lead to an increase in confidence. The practice can help reduce stress and anxiety and can help relieve the tension in the jaw and the neck.

Potential Effects:

 

Invitation for lightness and fun

Increases confidence

Reduces stress and anxiety

Reduces stress in the jaw and neck

Instructions:

 

1.   Find your seat, finding a position that is both alert and relaxed, in which your spine is one long line from your seat through the crown of your head so the breath can travel freely and deeply.

2.   Take a few mindful breathes to start in the way that feels best to you. Perhaps take inhales through the nose and exhales out of the mouth with a sigh. Try to make long, balanced, and mindful breathes.

3.   Inhale through the nose, exhale out a “Ha” sound. Do this 3 times.

4.   To make a Lion’s Breath, Inhale in through the nose, exhale out of the mouth, lengthening the tongue out and down, gazing upward. Take 3-5 rounds of Lion’s Breath.

5.   Let go of your Lion’s Breath and let your breath breathe naturally on It’s own.

6.   Notice how you feel, bat your eyelashes open softly if they have been closed, and rejoin the space.

 
 
 

Precautions:

 

Respiratory inflammation: practice moderately

Sinus congestion: breathe through the mouth as needed

 

Helpful Hints:

 

Never overdo any breathing exercise or force your breath into a pattern that is uncomfortable. If you begin to feel anxious or lightheaded, stop practicing and breathe normally.

Practice with self-compassion and non-judgement.

Lion’s Breath can be done from a seated, standing, or reclining position.

  • Content from NYCDOE YMTP² curricular materials