I spent last weekend attending a breath work seminar.  When I told my husband, he asked, puzzled, “Why?  Don’t you already know how to breathe?”  Actually yes, I’ve studied — and I’ve taught — breathing techniques for years.  But for most, the answer is no.  Most people are shallow breathers.
We don’t take a full breath… we breathe into the chest… not into the belly.  And 30% of the population breathes backwards.  Who knew you could breathe backwards?

During the first morning of the weekend, we focused on full circular breathing.  A circular breath means not pausing before or after the inhale… and not pausing before or after the exhale.  It’s a continual wave of breathing.  This takes concentration and mindfulness, but the results are incredible.  Circular breathing releases old energy patterns from the layers of the aura.  (The aura is the energy field around the body, and for optimum health, must constantly be cleansed).  It unblocks congested energy in the physical body… imbedded wounding from the emotional body… old, outdated beliefs from the mental body… and even stagnant energy from the spiritual body.

Would you like to enjoy those benefits?  You deserve them.  But since you may not have the time or inclination to attend a workshop, here’s how you can thrive from a daily dose of deep breathing. This exercise, though not circular breathing, is very effective and one that I use frequently…

• Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed for a few minutes.
• Sit comfortably.
• Focus on the inhale, let the inhale be steady and even as you count to 4.
• Hold the breath for a count of 4.
• Exhale, steady and even to a count of 4.
• Continue focusing on the flow of the breath, in and out, steady and even.
• When you’re comfortable with a count of 4, move to a count of 5.  (Only increase the count if it feels comfortable for you.  The objective is to focus on the flow of the breath, not counting to a higher number).

If you do this exercise on a regular basis, you may find that it releases stress, deepens relaxation and improves concentration.

Results?  You’re less likely to bark at other drivers, snap at co-workers, or get frustrated with family.  Your ups can still be as high, but your downs won’t be as low.