By Amy Lepine
The breath is an amazing instrument. Breathing is an involuntary body function that you unconsciously do, but can also consciously control. It’s easy to notice the changes it makes when we make demands on the body, but it also works the other way around. We can change the way we feel by changing our breath — and we can do it in less than a minute.
Have you ever gotten off the phone with opposing counsel and just felt exhausted? Or maybe it’s the middle of the afternoon and you’re needing to dig deep to finish your to do list? Kapalbhati, also known as Fire Breath, is a yogic practice that may help. It’s used to build energy and it also has the beneficial effect of strengthening our respiratory system which we can all welcome in this pandemic.
Start by sitting up straight in a chair or cross legged on the floor. Raise your hands above your head, close and tight to the ears. Inhale halfway through the nose and then begin short, sharp exhales also through the nose. Do not focus on the inhale, only on the quick exhale, snapping your diaphragm in the process. You should be able to complete 100 short exhales in one minute. When you’re done just sit and noticed how do you feel as your breath returns to normal.
You should feel more energized and clearheaded with just one round. Or take a short break and complete two more rounds for optimal effect. I use Kapalbhati whenever I want to reclaim my energy or reset myself for a new task. It’s great for calming your nerves while also picking up your energy, the perfect practice before or after a contentious hearing or meet and confer conference.
Amy Lepine is a lawyer in private practice focusing on business and marriage dissolutions. She is also a certified yoga instructor and meditation enthusiast.