"When you breathe, you inspire. When you do not breathe, you expire." ? Quote from an 11-year-old's science exam
John Grinder, co-creator of NLP talks about the link between respiration, physiology, internal state and high performance. He calls this 'the chain of excellence'. I recently read a book by Osho, the wonderfully non-PC mystic and guru. In the book, Osho instructed the reader to pay attention to their breathing rate when they were sad, and notice the timing of the in-breath and out-breath. He explained that next time they were happy, they could re-induce the sad state by merely repeating the breathing pattern. Fortunately, he added, it works the other way round too!
Follow some or all of these exercises;
Firstly; When you are experiencing a powerful, positive state, allow yourself to become aware of your breathing rate. Pay particular attention to the timing and rhythm of your in-breath and out-breath.
Secondly; Next time you are in a neutral or negative state, start breathing at the rate and rhythm from exercise one, and within a minute or so, the positive state should begin to return.
Many gurus advise people to do breathing exercises regularly. I know Tony Robbins does in his marvellous book "Unlimited Power" he advises that you start each day with a breathing exercise of inhaling slowly and deeply, then holding it for twice as long as the inhalation and exhaling in twice the pace. It really is invigorating and a great way to get motivated at the start of the day, especially if you are looking to do some things with your day that require motivation.
Breathing is powerful, our life force and is a major factor influencing our state of mind (if you uncertain about this, hold your breath for two minutes & re-read this sentence) This being the case, please use your common sense when doing any of these exercises (if you have a respiratory condition, please check with your health advisor first.) I do not want any asthmatics complaining that they did themselves harm following these exercises!!
So, thirdly; Start breathing comfortably but deeply, in through your nose & out through your mouth. Imagine that you are breathing from that area of your abdomen just beneath your belly button. Make the in-breath last to a count of 5 and the out-breath to a count of 6. Continue for at least 2 minutes, and notice what happens.
This 5:6 ratio seems to be a simple yet powerful way you can induce a relaxed state at will. The art of Yogic breathing is called Pranayama. Pranayama offers many different approaches for cleansing the mind & body through breathing exercises. Here's one of them (with thanks to RA Wilson):
Fourthly (this may seem a bit odd to do, I'd recommend not doing this in front of friends or at work!) ; Lie on your back & pant like a dog, breathing rapidly in & out through your mouth 20 times. Then, breathe slowly, deeply and gently in and out 20 times through your nose. Once again, do the mouth-panting 20 times, then resume gentle nose-breathing. Notice what happens.
This technique is referred to as the breath of fire, and typically results in a state of? well, you find out!
These techniques can be very powerfully utilised when wanting to get in control of your state if you are going through a period of change such as reducing your weight, stopping smoking or developing more confidence.
Please remember that most people don't breathe nearly enough. Start to breathe more deeply and notice how much better you feel. Have lots of fun with this. Notice how good you can make your self feel when you breathe differently.
Copyright 2005 Adam Eason. All Rights Reserved.
Adam Eason is an author, consultant, trainer and motivational speaker in the fields of hypnosis, nlp, personal development and human potential. His website is filled with information, stimulating articles, resources and uniques products.
Visit to also receive a free, unique hypnosis, nlp, personal development and human potential, instantly downloadable, to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.
efficient cleaning crew Northbrook ..First, let's make a distinction between pressure and stress. We... Read More
There is one sure fire medicine that cures all difficulty... Read More
Positive self-esteem is very important for our general health and... Read More
Aromatherapy is very therapeutic when it comes to healing emotional... Read More
If you live in the early part of the twenty-first... Read More
Do you get out of your car with a queasy... Read More
Recently I completed some new workshop engagements in addition to... Read More
Don't let stress wear you down. Next time you are... Read More
Ask a hundred different people how to deal with stress... Read More
To be a safe and predictable person for those around... Read More
Traffic jams. Toddler tantrums. Deadlines at work. Money troubles. Too... Read More
Work stress has become a major problem today. The nature... Read More
Is your in-tray or inbox full? I don't normally check... Read More
Insomnia is usually the result of the modern way of... Read More
My son was watching a Richard Scarry video this morning... Read More
A little stress is good for us until it becomes... Read More
At what age does the benefit of play cease? Child... Read More
Do you ever feel stressed? Is stress a regular component... Read More
Genuine enthusiasm...real feeling of accomplishment...sense of satisfaction and fun. Welcome... Read More
Why do we resist change? As the saying goes, the... Read More
Lake Hopatcong, NJ (PRWEB) November 30, 2004 -- Here are... Read More
The main problem in a down economy is that workplaces... Read More
To combat modern day stressors, you need to realize that... Read More
A stressless lifestyle? That's very easy to say. Yet it... Read More
Part 1: Recognize the importance of family stress managementJoe and... Read More
cleaning lady near Wilmette ..Make stress less of an issue for you in your... Read More
Often, in today's fast paced world, we forget to take... Read More
When it is all said and done, do you feel... Read More
Stress affects different people in different ways, but affect them... Read More
Rest.It's a good thing to do. As the story goes,... Read More
Most people know of the importance of exercise as a... Read More
Adversity is an unavoidable part of life. Death of a... Read More
Do you ever fret? In today's materialistic age, sometimes fretting... Read More
According to the Australian Council of Trade Unions' (A.C.T.U.) 1997... Read More
Stress is normal. Stress is OK. Stress is the same... Read More
1. 5-minute rule. How many times do we say, "This... Read More
Are you a person who has a keen imagination, a... Read More
The day wasn't going well already. You know how it... Read More
One of the best ways to relieve yourself from the... Read More
Lake Hopatcong, NJ (PRWEB) November 30, 2004 -- Here are... Read More
Stressed? Relax Right Now with 5 Super-Simple Stress-BustersStressed-out? Don't know... Read More
File this one under the category of "watch your language."The... Read More
David Bowie once sang, "Ch-ch-changes, tryin' to face the strain."And... Read More
Looking for some quick stress relief?Edward W. Smith, motivational speaker,... Read More
Over the years I've collected scores of comics and cartoons... Read More
Did you ever feel like your "get-up-and-go" got up and... Read More
Life would be so wonderful if it weren't for other... Read More
Life is funny.Throughout the day, there are plenty of humorous... Read More
"Let your mind be quiet, realizing the beauty of the... Read More
You probably think I'm wacko, but it's true - stress... Read More
Stress Management |