The Sanskrit word puraka literally translates to “filling.” It refers to the phase of breathing we call the inhale. The Yoga Sutras, an ancient text that outlines the practice of yoga, states that the breath should be long, smooth, and subtle.
Many of my clients find the inhale challenging. They try to “do” the inhale rather than allowing it to happen naturally. When we have holding and bracing in the body, there is resistance to this allowing. The breath is not long, nor smooth, nor subtle.
All it takes is finding a softer way of being, connecting with the embodiment of receiving. When we surrender to how the breath wants to move, something amazing happens. We are filled. This happens off of the mat in our lives as well, and it’s good stuff!