Life has a way of shifting when we least expect it. Recently, I’ve felt loss in different areas of my life. Someone I really cared about moved away. My beloved dog passed away a couple of weeks ago. And there have been significant changes at work that have left me feeling untethered. On top of that, I’m noticing a different kind of loss—the realization that my body can’t do some of the things it once could.
Throughout all this, I’ve turned to one constant that has always been there for me—my breath. It’s such a simple act, yet in times of loss, it has the power to ground me. To bring me back to a place of calm when everything else feels unsteady.
My very favorite breath practice, and the one I keep returning to, is Nadi Shodhana, or alternate nostril breathing. This technique balances the left and right sides of the brain. It gives me a sense of calm when my emotions are overwhelming. Whether grieving my doggie companion or adjusting to other life changes, this breathing technique has helped me find a bit of peace and acceptance.
Try Alternate Nostril Breathing:
Get Prepared
- Sit comfortably in a quiet space.
- Choose a hand. Fold your first and middle fingers back and turn your palm to face your face.
- Take a deep breath in and exhale completely.
Begin
- Close your right nostril and inhale deeply through your left until full.
- Close both nostrils.
- Pause and retain your breath.
- Exhale through right until empty.
Repeat on the other side
- Close left nostril.
- Inhale through right.
- Close both nostrils.
- Pause and retain your breath.
- Exhale out through left.
Repeat
That’s one complete round. Continue this pattern for 3-5 rounds, moving slowly and intentionally.
Loss is never easy. I am grateful that my yoga practice offers tools to help navigate these moments. One of the most accessible is breathwork (pranayama). It can offer a moment of refuge, helping to create space to process and heal. I hope that this simple practice of alternate nostril breathing can bring you a little peace in your own moments of transition.
I’d love to hear from you 🙂 How have you navigated moments of loss? Has breathwork or yoga helped you along the way? Feel free to send me a note to share your thoughts.