— T. K. V. Desikachar

As the body moves the breath moves, and as the breath is stationary the body is stationary. Thus the breath and body become one movement, one process, and that is a very powerful yoga.

Maintaining this link between breath and body, particularly in lengthening the exhale and pausing after the exhale, has more significance to the purpose of yoga than achieving a classic asana for its own sake. The breath has a very important role in asana practice. We should not compromise the easy flow of the breath to achieve the asana.

The breath is one of the best means for observing yourself in your yoga practice.

How does the body respond to the breath, and how does the breath respond to the movement of the body?

The breath should be your teacher.