Breathing: Stimulant or Sedative?

movement. Even if you detect more abdominal movement, you can still benefit from breathing exercises.

Retrain your breathing habits by doing the following:

• Practice abdominal breathing twice a day, both morning & night for about 10-20 minutes.
  
• Lie down, and place a large book (a phone book is perfect) over your abdomen. This will help you to sense the rise and fall of your belly, while also providing a weight to help strengthen these muscles.
  
• Take a comfortably full breath in, and feel your belly (and the book) rising. As you slowly breathe out, your belly will flatten. (focus on slowing down your breathing)
  
• Remember to pay attention to your breathing throughout the day, particularly when stressed

* You may find it helpful to mentally count to yourself: In, 2, 3, 4; Out, 2, 3, 4, 5, pause...continue.

Correct breathing is essential. It is calm and establishes a slow, strong, natural rhythm. The exhalation is long and deep. The masters often compare it to the mooing of a cow. The inhalation is shorter and happens naturally. This slow, calm, deep exhalation sweeps away mental complications. The mind becomes as clear as a cloudless sky.

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