We
take the way we breathe for granted and in some ways we have
"forgotten" to breathe as nature intended. Our breathing has become
shallow and minimal. The way we breathe only utilizes the top third of our
lungs allowing the remaining air to stagnate and provide an inefficient means
of energizing the body with fresh energy. This is displayed by only the top
half of our chests expanding when ever we take a deep breath. Yet, when
watching a baby breathe we see their stomach expanding. A baby has not yet
allowed the bad habits of life to intervene with the way it breathes. But, bad
environmental and unnatural living will corrupt the way we breathe and the body
will eventually succumb to "bad” breathing. Breathing correctly requires
training and awareness of what is happening in our lives. Stress and anxiety
also effect the breathing cycle. Below is a brief method that allows one to
recondition our breathing habits and to develop "rhythmic breathing".
One could also incorporate this into one's meditation to enhance our training
and discipline.
I suggest spending a just a few minutes a
day at first to understand the requirements and then increasing the time to
suit ones needs - as we get use to breathing correctly till eventually it
becomes a part of our normal life.
Breathe in slowly through nose with tip of
tongue touching roof of mouth, allowing the air to sink into lower abdomen.
Exhale slowly through parted lips allowing the tongue to relax. As you exhale
imagine the stress and traumas of the day to dispel on your breath. With each
intake of breath imagine you recharging you "hara" with new life and
energy. Allow this energy to travel to every part of your body. Take a positive
attitude and refrain from all negative thoughts. In time develop try and a
rhythm, for example inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 2, exhale for 4 and then
hold for 2. Do not allow your breathing to become labored as developing a
rhythm can be quite difficult. Take your time and slowly you will be able to
extend the time and control of your breath.
Another part of developing your breathing
and relating it to your training is to include breathing sounds. These will
help you to understand the fundamental principles of life and how to develop our
inner selves. These will promote better health, both in body and mind.
The Six Sounds
The
Lung Sound
Place
you tongue behind your closed teeth and with a long slow exhalation, create the
sound SSSSSSSSSSS (like the sound of steam coming from a radiator).During each
resting period (as you slowly inhale), smile to the lungs. Picture them
surrounded by white light and concentrate of feeling the virtue of courage,
which is directly related to the lungs energy (This will help balance the
positive energy of the lungs).
The
Kidney Sound
Form
an O with the lips as if preparing to blow out a candle and with a long, slow
exhalation produce the sound WOOOOOOOO. During each resting period smile at
your kidneys as you picture them surrounded by a light blue color. Feel the
virtue of gentleness, which will enhance the positive energy of the kidneys.
The
Liver Sound
Place
the tongue near the palate and with a long slow exhalation, produce the sound
SHHHHHHHH. During each resting period, smile to the liver. Picture it
surrounded by a bright green light and feels the virtue of kindness. This will
enhance the positive energy of the liver.
The
Heart Sound
With
the mouth wide open, exhale a deep breath slowly and produce the sound
HAWWWWWW. During each resting period, s mile to the heart and picture it
surrounded by the color red. Feel love, joy and happiness to enhance the
positive energy of the heart.
The
Spleen Sound
Again
place the tongue near the palate and with a long slow exhalation, produce the
sound WHOOOOOOO from the throat, like the sound of an owl. (This is more
guttural than the kidney sound). During each resting period, smile at the
spleen and picture it surrounded by a bright yellow color. Feel the virtue of
fairness, which will enhance the positive energy of the spleen.
The
Triple warmer Sound
(Practice
this while lying down if possible). With your mouth open, exhale slowly as your
produce the sound HEEEEEEEE. During each resting period, try to imagine a huge
rolling pin flattening out your body from the forehead down to the toes. This
will balance all the other energies activated by the other sounds and will help
to relax the body thoroughly.
