If the fight against inequality during the pandemic has left you feeling overwhelmed, consider practicing breath control to reduce stress.

Breath control is an integral part of any yoga practice, yet it is hard to talk about it during breathtaking moments. On May 25, 2020, George Floyd Jr. took his final breaths beneath the knee of Officer Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

His death broke the silence of the entire world following the months of isolation during COVID-19. Floyd’s passing shone a light on the unjust treatment of Black people in America. It was the unfortunate casualty that created a unified cognitive dissonance.

There is an emotional weight of living a double life. On one hand, we wanted our families to remain healthy. Yet, we felt the pull to rally and demand justice for all whose last breath was taken by corrupted officers.

As you try to cope and affect change, it is important to practice breath control. If you find your shoulders rising towards your ears or thoughts all over the place, try this technique to help you take, as Oprah puts it, “your next best step.”

SQUARE BREATHING:

1. Exhale all of your air out.

2. Inhale and count to 4.

3. Hold for 4.

4. Exhale through the mouth for 4.

5. Pause and hold for 4.

6. Repeat steps 2-5 as needed.

Once you have completed the practice, please share your response to the question:

How long did it take for your body to relax ?

You may comment below and reflect in your personal journal any thoughts that came up for you. Thank you for sharing your practice with me!

Namaste