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| LIFE IN SOLERA | NOVEMBER 2026 | 37 e Power in Your Breath: Finding Energy, Balance & Calm Your breath is one of the simplest wellness tools you carry with you every day. In yoga, Pranayama refers to conscious breathing practices that help support our life-force energy and overall well-being. As we age, lung capacity can naturally decrease, making it especially valuable to practice slow, mindful breathing. Simply lengthening your exhale can send a calming signal to your nervous system, helping quiet stress and promote relaxation. Your Breath as a "Remote Control" Think of your breath as a remote control for your body. Fast, shallow breathing can contribute to feelings of stress, while slow, steady breathing can help us feel calmer and more grounded. Conscious breathing may also support balance, digestion, posture, and better sleep. You don't need a yoga mat or yoga class to practice it. Try taking a few slow breaths: • While waiting in a doctor's office or during another stressful moment • Before meals to encourage a relaxed "rest and digest" state • During physical effort, remembering to exhale rather than hold your breath Two Simple Breathing Practices Humming Bee Breath (Bhramari): Breathe in normally, then exhale with a soft, low humming sound. Allow the gentle vibration to lengthen and soothe the exhale. Straw Breathing: Breathe in normally, then slowly exhale through gently pursed lips, as though blowing through a straw. Try This One-Minute Reset: Sit comfortably with your spine gently lengthened. Relax your shoulders and soften your gaze. Take a comfortable breath in through your nose. Then slowly sigh the breath out, allowing your shoulders and body to relax. Repeat several times, making each exhale a little slower and softer. With each slow exhale, imagine pressing "pause" on stress. Notice how a few mindful breaths can bring you back to the present moment. Breathe in. Breathe out. Press pause. Join our free classes: Tuesdays, 12:30 to 1:30 pm, OM 1-2, Instructor Brenda; Fridays, 10 to 11:30 am, OM 1-3, Instructor Jodi. For info, contact Jodi Lindman, CYT at (805) 708-0574, jodilindman@gmail. com or Brenda Dewey at (951) 499-7790, mnbdewey@yahoo.com. ~ Jodi Lindman, CYT YOGA WELLNESS