Breathing

“Mark Stephens has written a book on pranayama that is, without exaggeration, the most complete study of this most important practice I’ve ever come across. He extensively covers the background—such as pranayama’s long history, its anatomy and physiology, and psychological dimension—and the why’s, the how’s, and the ultimate goals of the student’s daily engagement with the practice, both traditional and modern. Highly recommended.” * Richard Rosen, author of The Yoga of Breath and Pranayama Beyond the Fundamentals *
“This is a must for students of all kinds to dive into—and a treasure for yoga teachers and yoga therapists to return to again and again with respect for the practice and with an awareness of responsibility for the future of yoga.” * Adriene Mishler, international yoga teacher and host of Yoga with Adriene *
“A deep and illuminating exploration of pranayama that seamlessly weaves the poetry and philosophy of ancient traditions with modern insight—inviting us to see and experience what has always been here.” * Richard Freeman, author of The Mirror of Yoga *
“Breathing is the rare pranayama book that respects both the tradition and the tissues. If you want breathing practices you can defend in a lab and feel on the mat, this book is for you.” * David Keil, yoga teacher and author of Functional Anatomy of Yoga *
“A masterful, accessible guide to breath and pranayama—spanning ancient traditions and modern science. This book belongs in every yoga teacher’s library.” * Bernie Clark, author of The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga *
“A deeply informed and thoughtfully written exploration of pranayama, grounded in lived experience and enriched by both tradition and science. At a time when breathwork is often simplified or overlooked, this book offers a clear, comprehensive, and insightful guide for teachers and practitioners alike.” * Yogiraj Alan Finger, founder of ISHTA Yoga and author of Tantra of the Yoga Sutras *
“Mark takes us deep into the mystical, unseen, energetic, pranic, and even spiritual realms of something we often take for granted. Whether you’re interested in yoga, pranayama, or merely seeking techniques to use the simple act of breathing to calm the mind, soothe the nervous system, and gain greater clarity, I wholeheartedly recommend Breathing. Reading Mark’s book is a breath of fresh air!” * David Swenson, author of Ashtanga Yoga *
“Once again, Mark builds on the wisdom of the past, offering fresh insights and clearly articulated practices that help readers restore balance and harmony to the body, mind, and spirit.” * Ganga White, author of Yoga Beyond Belief and founder–president of the White Lotus Yoga Founda *
“In Breathing, yoga adept Mark Stephens draws from his years of practice and gained knowledge to explain various methods of pranayama. It is a book that will live on my bookshelf as both an inspiration and a reference guide for many years.” * Nischala Joy Devi, author of The Secret Power of Yoga *
“A - ha: First a suspension of breath that is that moment of sharpened clarity from the light of realization that we have just been suffused by something profound. Then that deeper inhalation as a fuller ‘seeing’ spreads within. Then that shift in consciousness that is the engagement of our whole being. Then the release, by breath, of what was held so Body can mirror Spirit. Followed by another A - ha as we fully realize. That awaits you in the pages of this book.” * Kofi Busia, advanced senior certified Iyengar Yoga teacher and editor of Iyengar: The Yoga Master *
“Sometimes a luminary comes along and offers a work of rare depth and clarity to illuminate a timeless subject, revealing it in its full nobility, its intricate depth, but also its simplicity. This is what Mark Stephens has realized in his book on pranayama.” * Christian Pisano, advanced senior certified Iyengar Yoga teacher, Nice, France *

Mark Stephens is the author of five bestselling yoga books, including Teaching Yoga and Yoga Therapy. Practicing since 1991 and teaching worldwide since 1996, he has studied and practiced in the ashtanga, Iyengar, and tantra traditions and has engaged deeply with yoga histories and philosophies, somatic psychology, and evidence-based sources. He has trained yoga teachers and therapists for three decades and served as the “For Teachers” columnist for Yoga Journal for two years. He lives on California’s central coast.

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