In many languages, to take a breath in also translates to "take the spirit in" - inspiration in French, inspiración in Spanish, inspiração in Portuguese. Also, the origin of the word spirit in Latin is "breath of God" and "animating or vital principle in man and animals." The Portuguese believe that a child invites his spirit in with his first breath and that we release it with our last. I love that image; it speaks to me. Life is a continuous rhythm of inhaling and exhaling, of finding balance between what to take in and what to let go of in order to create the most harmonious human experience as possible.

​

I practise various types of breathing techniques every morning, as part of my morning routine, outside my asana practice, as a way to centre myself and wake up my body and mind. I consider pranayama the most delicious and nutritious breakfast :), leaving me feeling light, energised and radiant. It is also a great tool to induce a meditative state.

​