Pointers for Ujjayi Breathing

Ujjayi Pranayama ("victorious lifting" of the breath) is to be done continuously from the first Sun Salutation all the way through the last closing posture:

• Breathe through the nose, keeping the lips closed. Draw the breath strongly upward, filling the lungs from bottom to top.
• Exhale to the very end of the breath.
• Breathe in and out with a wind-like sound (To try this, slightly close the back of the throat, then inhale mouthing "uhhh" and exhale mouthing "ahhh," closing the lips during each).
• Inhalation and exhalation should be precisely the same length—smooth and continuous.
• Try to maintain the same pace of breathing throughout your entire practice.
• Movement should be synchronous with breath.
• Do not hold the breath, and try not to take extra breaths between postures.
• If focus is lost, return it to the breath and continue breathing with sound.