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Weaving the Limbs of Yoga into any Class (Part 2) Pranayama & Pratyahara
Description
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Breath and attention are already a natural part of most yoga classes—we may just not always name them as such.
In Part 2 of this series, we explore pranayama (breath practices) and pratyahara, a gentle turning inward of the senses,
Many of us already cue the breath in our classes. In this episode, I share a few simple ways to take that a step further by introducing short, accessible pranayama practices like ujjayi breathing and box breathing. These don’t have to take up a large portion of your class—even one to two minutes at the beginning, between flows, or before Savasana can make a meaningful difference.
We also explore pratyahara, which can feel more subtle and less familiar. Rather than thinking of it as “withdrawing from the world,” you might think of it as softening the pull of the senses—allowing your attention to rest more fully on one thing, like the breath. You’re still present and aware, but less distracted by everything happening around you. I like to think of it like "being in the zone".
In This Episode:
- How short moments of breath awareness can shift the nervous system
- Simple ways to introduce ujjayi and box breathing into any class
- Why practicing pranayama yourself builds confidence in teaching it
- A relatable way to understand pratyahara as focused, inward attention
- How breath naturally leads students toward a quieter, more centered experience
These small, intentional moments of breath and focus can help your students move beyond the shapes and into a deeper experience of yoga.
A Gentle Invitation
If you’re craving a deeper, more immersive experience of these practices, I’ll be hosting my Nurture & Nourish Retreat on Bald Head Island from September 29 – October 3, 2026.
This is a small, intimate retreat for 6–10 women, offering space for movement, mindfulness, and meaningful connection.
If it’s something you’ve been considering, you can find all the details at www.shareyogawithmj.com
.
Space is limited, and I’ll be confirming attendance by June 1st.
I’d Love to Hear From You
How do you bring breath or moments of focus into your yoga classes?
Share your experience—I’d love to hear what’s working for you.
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Find MJ Waddell at:
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E-MAIL maryjaynewaddell@gmail.com
Dan Jones-Editor
Find Dan at: https://cocoabeachweb.com/