"I'm breathing aren't I? Why should I be concerned about it?" Well yes,
you're breathing, but barely. Breathing is the way life force energy gets
into your body to make it function. Children, despite the trauma we put
most of them through at birth, have a far more open breath than adults
do. We learn a weak inhale as we become acculturated by our society. The
strength of our inhalation directly relates to our willingness to accept
our good, to be enthusiastic about life, to have fun. Many times, when
we find ourselves in uncomfortable situations seemingly beyond our control,
we soften our breathing to lessen the intensity of the experience. Over
the years this shallow breathing becomes a habit. And most of the time,
isn't our breathing driven by our subconscious mind? Think about it! Do
you want your "stuff" driving the primary life force that animates you?
To complicate things even further, we develop unhealthy habits with our
exhalation. A true exhale is meant to be completely relaxed. Contrary
to what most people are taught, this means you go limp. No! You don't
slowly regulate out the flow of the breath and suck in your tummy muscles.
This builds up stress in the body. No! You don't blow the stress away
with a strong exhale. This builds up stress in the body too! No! You don't
take a breath in and wait for a while before you exhale. Are you looking
for a place to store that stuff? On a true exhale your body yields and
relaxes to the potential of the next inhale.
Now, before you start writing me letters, let me explain. The kind of
breathing I work with and am talking about, is the kind you and I are
doing right now, before we place our attention on it. When your inhale
is strong and your exhale is relaxed, you are getting the life force flowing
through your body so you can have energy, clarity and focus. Do this and
there is no way that stress can build. In fact, any that you have stored
in your body, mind, heart and soul system will gradually be released as
you continue open, clear breathing.
Next issue find out how to correct inefficient breathing.
(continued in Vol. II, No. 3)
To receive the latest newsletter, please complete the registration form
and questions.