Breath: The Essence of Yoga - A Guide to Inner Stillness [Paperback]

Yoga has never been more popular. Celebrities such as Madonna and Sting are huge fans. Geri Halliwell firmly maintains her new toned figure is due to regular yoga sessions. Confusingly, this ancient form of body work can be practised in many different ways. If power, dynamic or Ashtanga yoga sound complicated and too much like hard work then this new book could be just what you need. Breath, The Essence of Yoga is a straightforward introduction to the importance of breathing in yoga. Author Sandra Sabatini has spent the past 25 years developing this gentle yet intense approach to yoga which has it roots in the classical Indian tradition of Ivengar. The book is split up into seven chapters which take the reader through the process of learning how to breathe properly and then how to incorporate this with simple yoga positions. Each chapter is illustrated with practical, easy-to-follow black and white line drawings. The book's main aim is to show that that if you learn how to reconnect with the breath you can experience enormous benefits such as renewed energy and a greater calmness. Sabatini explains 'the breath is the key that can open thousands of doors'. Whether you are a complete beginner or already practice yoga, this simple book will provide you with a deeper appreciation of the benefits of calm, conscious breathing.--Meg Slyfield --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

As water can purify your skin, so breath is capable of cleaning your whole being. That is the philosophy behind this simple yet inspiring volume on the essence of breath technique in yoga practice. "Breath" shows readers that as you reconnect with the breath through effortless observation and increased awareness, the doors within our souls can be opened leading to feelings of renewed energy, greater calmness, and clarity of mind. Whether you are a complete beginner or already practice, these subtle, gentle, and inspiring suggestions will guide you to a deeper, more natural appreciation of the essence of yoga.

'the pause at the end of the exhalation
and the pause at the end of the inhalation
is a special place where nothing happens
or nothing seems to happen

yet the old air is traveling away
and the new breath is ready to move in

in that space in between there is silence
more than anything else silence . . . and space'

As water purifies your skin, so the breath is capable of cleaning your whole being.

And as you reconnect with the breath through effortless observation and increased awareness, a door to the unexpected is opened.

There are infinite discoveries and benefits to be experienced: a feeling of lightness, renewed energy a greater calmness and clarity of mind. The breath begins to clean and purify at a deep level.

This book is full of insights and images, distilled from Sandra Sabatini's yoga classes, to help you learn how to listen to the breath and how to approach some simple positions.

Whether you are a complete beginner or already practice some form of bodywork, these subtle, gentle suggestions can guide you naturally to a deeper appreciation of the essence of yoga.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Sandra Sabatini has been studying yoga for more than 30 years. She was a pupil of the late Vanda Scaravelli, one of the world's foremost authorities on yoga and yogic techniques.