The lungs can be divided into the front lungs, back lungs, side lungs, top and bottom lungs. When we inhale, all the sides of the lungs have to open up. But, does that happen? Are we maintaining a lifted chest and observing how much we can expand in all directions? A well-lifted and expanded chest naturally takes breath to all corners.
Asanas like Prasarita Hastasana, Trikonasana, Utthita Padangusthasana, Salamba Sirsasana, Salamba Sarvangasana, Adho Mukha Svanasana expand the chest region naturally. They help keep the abdomen lifted, and not let it sink. The strong spinal muscles allow us to keep our spine straight.
Asana is the third step of Ashtanga Yoga. Pranayama comes after Asana. There is some resistance in the body due to which the breath is unable to reach certain areas. Asanas ensure that the breath moves to those areas.
In Savasana and Pranayama class, we first do certain asanas that help expand the chest, and relax the body, so that the breath can move more freely. As we become sensitive to the movement of our muscles, we become aware of the movement of our breath. The muscles need to be in position to allow the body to rest and asanas bring the muscles to those positions. Once the body has rested, the attention can go to the breath. As the breath touches all the inner walls of the chest, we gain an inner proximity to ourselves. At this moment, certain emotions can crop up. We must gain control over our emotions as we gain proximity with the breath. It takes a certain ripeness and maturity to be in close proximity with yourself.
Everyone wants to do a lot of Pranayama cycles and is eager to attempt a variety of them. But that is not how it works. It could be that one breath, which gives you the freedom and satisfaction and proximity with yourself. The first half of the Savasana and Pranayama class helps you to settle from all the baggage you have been carrying the entire day or week and progress towards inner proximity.