Mindful Breathing is important in Yoga...

Breathing is very important in 'Yoga' as breath is 'Prana' the vital force. Breath and mind are closely connected. Mindful breathing is the essence of yoga which helps us to connect with the subtle energy within. Breath has a biological effect on our emotions and activities thus can shift the mood of mind. Our body requirements of oxygen are changing based on our moods and actions. While exercising more oxygen is required to breathe fast and while relaxing less oxygen is required to breathe normal. So awareness of breath is an excellent approach to work with the mind. Synchronizing breath and postures makes yoga perfect. During an asana mindful breath helps the mind to stay calm and quiet. When mind is calm emotions and thoughts stay away. The prana starts to flow smoothly pushing away the negative blockages in the mind thus making the mind free from negatives and results in positive thinking. Breath is the lubricant in the entire body flexible and healthy. Mindful breath is the base to maintain one's postures and attitudes. Body, mind and soul can enjoy the perfect balance through breath awareness. Breath and mind are closely associated. When you start breathing you can feel the mind is also moving along with the breath. This can be felt vice versa. When mind moves the breath also moves. Breath is the gateway of our mental and emotional worlds. The flow of breath and change in breath tells something is happening in our mind which can be corrected by awareness breath. Once we are aware of mindful breath it lead us to insight into the nature of the mind which enable us to 'let it go' instead of keeping our sufferings 'close to heart'. Breath helps to be in the present moment without worrying about past and future. Mindful breath activates the cerebral cortex while normal breath is controlled by the medulla oblongata in the brain stem. Mindful breathing helps to control the dominating aspects of mind thus helps to rise your consciousness. Conscious breath helps in better Neuro- muscular coordination. In yoga smooth and gentle inhale exhale breaths are done to focus the mind and to concentrate on positive thoughts. Thoughtful breathing in yoga helps the  prana/air entering the body take away all the stress and negative thoughts from the mind and body and fill with purity and positivity.