"When you breathe, you inspire. When you do not breathe, you expire." – Quote from an 11-year-old’s science examJohn Grinder, co-creator of NLP talks about link between respiration, physiology, internal state and high performance. He calls this ‘the chain of excellence’. I recently read a book by Osho, wonderfully non-PC mystic and guru. In book, Osho instructed reader to pay attention to their breathing rate when they were sad, and notice timing of in-breath and out-breath. He explained that next time they were happy, they could re-induce sad state by merely repeating breathing pattern. Fortunately, he added, it works 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 timing and rhythm of your in-breath and out-breath.
Secondly; Next time you are in a neutral or negative state, start breathing at rate and rhythm from exercise one, and within a minute or so, 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 inhalation and exhaling in twice pace. It really is invigorating and a great way to get motivated at start of 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 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!!