The only tangible thing that makes yoga different than complicated calisthenics is the attention placed on the breath. The breath is to flow out and back in deeply, through the nose if you can. Throughout my practice my attention may wander, the breath may become shortened, or forced, or constricted. The challenge is to bring our attention back to the breath and allow it to flow freely.

It is the barometer of my effort. When it becomes forced, ask yourself:

“Why am I pushing so hard? Where am I trying to get to?”

Then, with love, dig into what you feel and always do a little less than you can. Then your practice will start to heal.