Once we understand how the breath and the body work together in movement, we can begin practicing ujjayi breathing (pronounced "ooo-jai"). Ujjayi breathing means "upwardly victorious" breath and refers to the expansive nature of the breath throughout the body. When practiced correctly, ujjayi breathing will allow the breath to move you during your practice.

Ujjayi breathing consists of breathing in and out through the nose while slightly constricting the glottis at the base of the throat. This type of breathing produces an audible "haaaa" sound, similar to the sound you would make while fogging up a mirror with your breath. By paying attention to the sound of our ujjayi breath we can observe the flow of the inhale and exhale, noting where the breath may be imbalanced.

Here is a basic practice for developing ujjayi breathing:

1. sit comfortably with the spine tall
2. inhale through the nose
3. exhale out of the mouth while making an audible "haaaa" sound

Repeat this inhale and exhale pattern three times. Remain seated and move on to the next steps.

1. inhale through the nose
2. exhale out of the mouth BUT half way through the exhale close the mouth
3. keep making the audible "haaaa" sound, even with the mouth closed

Repeat this inhale and exhale patter for three breaths before moving on to the final stages of full ujjayi breathing.

1. inhale through the nose
2. exhale through the nose
3. feel the gentle constriction of the breath through the glottis - the breathing may feel thin
4. listen to the softly audible "haaa" sound of the breath, offering a sound to follow through your practice