YOGA BITES: 10/13/2026

Yoga Off the Mat: 8 Limbs of Yoga – Pranayama

Let’s talk about Pranayama – one of the 8 limbs of yoga. Pranayama translates from Sanskrit to English as ‘Breath Control’, with Prana (meaning life force) and Yama (meaning control). In class at BDY, we commonly practice a few types of Pranayama:

• Ujjayi Breath (in and out through your nose)
• 4×6 Breath (in for 4 counts, out for 6)
• Nadi Shodhan (in through one nostril, out through the other)

In my classes recently, a cue I keep referring to at the start of class is: ‘If you lose the breath, you lose the practice’. The postures we do in class (also called asana) are fine on their own. If you go to the gym or are a runner, or exercise in any other capacity, you might see the same postures we do in class repeated elsewhere. 

What makes the postures come together as Yoga is the breath. 

In practice we’re doing more than just moving our bodies – we’re training our attention. Controlling the breath gives you something to hang your attention on, something to keep returning to when your focus inevitably wavers. 

And in a world like ours where it seems like more and more sources are vying for your attention every day, control over your own attention becomes even more important. 

One of my favorite yoga teachers, Rolf Gates, summarized this point well – ‘Yoga is not a work-out, it’s a work-in. And this is the point of spiritual practice; to make us teachable, to open our hearts and focus our awareness so that we can know what we already know and be who we already are’.

Whether you make it to practice this week or not, I invite you to practice Pranayama as you move throughout your days, noticing and controlling your breath while participating in work meetings, having a conversation with your child, or walking your neighborhood. See how it changes the quality of your attention and focus.

 Studio Events

Join Samantha for a 3-hour mini-retreat focused on learning accessible and science-based gratitude practices.

During the mini-retreat, expect to practice yoga, participate in small group discussion, and experiment with independent gratitude exercises.

Purchase mini-retreat tickets here!

Starting 10/28, practice Vinyasa on Wednesdays with Adri at 5:30!

We’re excited to offer another evening Vinyasa class on Wednesdays! Classes are already set up in PunchPass starting the 28th. Note that the 4pm Vinyasa will pause starting on 10/28, returning in the coming months as a 4pm Slow Flow.

Calling all Yoga Teachers – 2 spots left in our Advanced Study Intensive!

Are you a yoga teacher looking for an opportunity to improve your understanding of Pranayama, breath mechanics, and cueing breath during asana? Join guest teacher Sara Basile for a 2.5 hour workshop at BDY, designed to increase your confidence and toolkit for cueing breath. 

Purchase a ticket here – only 2 spots left!

BDY’s first Merch Drop is coming soon!

Shirts and sweatshirts are designed, and the store is built. We’re just waiting for some samples to arrive then your first chance to purchase BDY merch will be live! I’m anticipating the store to open the week of Oct 20th.

Expect fall colors, spooky skeletons, and cozy cotton.

Remember: Unlimited and Namaste members get 20% off all merch! 

Discount code will be shared directly when the store opens.

Yogi of the Month

October Yogi of the Month is Kara! I nominated Kara for her commitment to the practice. It’s easy to fall out of healthy habits quickly when faced with a setback. Kara continues to show up to practice, modifying to make it work for her body, and that consistency is such a wonderful example of a true practice of yoga.

Keep reading to see what Kara had to share about her experience with Yoga:

How does Yoga make you feel?

• Yoga makes me feel both calm and strong at the same time. There aren’t too many things I have tried that do both at the same time.

What is something about yoga that has surprised you, or something you’ve learned through your practice?

• I learned two lessons: (1) it is possible to over do it. I was on the “no chaturanga left behind plan” and ended up injured. Don’t feel like every time you are on the mat you need to do the absolute most. (2) yoga can still be satisfying and worthwhile with serious modifications. I have not done a down dog in a month – but still do yoga almost everyday, modified to work with my injury recovery, and I absolutely love it.

What advice or experience would you share with someone trying yoga for the first time?

• No one starts out flexible or strong. You build that with practice.

Congrats Kara! So happy to have you part of the BDY crew!