Breathe with Purpose
Let’s start with noticing your inhale and exhale. If this is a new awareness for you, trust me when I say it’s the beginning of a new way to take control of your life.
If that statement sounds ridiculous, I understand. The first time I was instructed to follow my breath in and out of my body I wondered if I was in the right room. It sounded silly, of course I knew I needed to breathe! But I couldn’t have imagined that years later I’d return to that same instruction again and again, this time with more purpose.
Our breath, our life force, is our most powerful tool. Yes, without it we die. But why limit something so vital to mere survival?
The breath is the bridge between what you feel and how you respond. It’s the quickest way to shift your nervous system, anchor your awareness, and come back to yourself when life pulls you off center. In the moments when something upsets you and you want to react, take a breath, find a little steadiness before you do so. When you learn to use your breath as a tool, not just rely on it, you tap into clarity, steadiness, and presence in a way that nothing else can offer. Isn’t it great to know we have this power within ourselves?
Our breath can be a means to take life in. Just Sunday morning I was driving to the studio for our weekend of Yoga Teacher Training and the view was spectacular. When I arrived at a red light, I looked over at the crispness I could see around the distant mountains along with the sun breaking off the towers in downtown. I took a deep breath to just take a moment to take it all in – the view and the breath – to set me up for a busy but amazing day.
Learning to use our breath is where we can learn how to regulate regardless of what is happening around us.
Let’s breathe with purpose this week throughout practices:
Provide yourself a 10-15min warm-up prior to beginning any of the below suggested practice for your week.
Asana Practice: It is suggested that this practice be taken in a Hatha style.
Reclined Bound Angle (20-30 breaths) > Table Top > Cat/Cow > Child’s (20-30 breaths) > Staff > Reverse Table Top > Seated Wide Legged Forward Bend (20-30 breaths) > Seated Windshield Wipers > Table Top > Downward Dog (10 breaths) > Mountain (20-30 breaths) > Tree (R/L) > Warrior I (R) > Mountain (20-30 breaths) > Warrior I (L) > Mountain > Standing Forward Fold > Table Top > Child’s (20-30 breaths) > Savasana
Close out your practice using your warm-up as your cool-down and offer yourself a 10mins Savasana for rest.
Breathwork: Any time this week you feel discomfort, stress, or the need to react quickly. Take 30 seconds and take 5 purposeful breaths in and out. Then, come back to the circumstance and see how you feel.
Remember to always practice within your own limits and take care of physical and emotional well-being.
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Join Us on the Floor! – Beginning March 2026
If exploring the practice of yoga has been on your mind our 200HR Yoga Teacher Training is an in-depth way to dive in, explore the practice, explore yourself, and have the certification to teach others to do the same. Reserve Your Spot for the next 200HR Yoga Teacher Training which begins in March 2026. Book a Meet & Greet with Stephanie to learn more!
Questions? Email stephaniepower.ayc@gmail.com.
Let’s grow collectively,
-Stephanie
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What is the Yoga Inspiration Collective? A community that encourages curiosity and education about yoga. We will explore principles that help you move from uncertainty and self-doubt to confidence and clarity. You will be part of a community that helps you become more confident and clearer, grounded and consistent in practice, present on and off your mat, connected in community.